HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. -- Matt Fitzpatrick experienced a rocky start on Saturday, allowing Scottie Scheffler to close the gap before Fitzpatrick rallied late to card a 3-under 68. With this performance, he captured a three-shot lead heading into the final round of the RBC Heritage.
Scheffler, ranked as the world's No. 1 player and a previous champion at Harbour Town, began the day seven shots off the pace. He ignited his round with five birdies in the first six holes, finishing with a remarkable 7-under 64. This strong score tied him momentarily with Fitzpatrick, but the Englishman quickly regained control.
Fitzpatrick’s pivotal moments came on the closing holes. He sank a challenging 25-foot birdie putt from off the green on the par-3 14th and then chipped in for eagle on the par-5 15th after missing the green, extending his lead to three strokes. The defending champion concluded his round at 17-under par 196, maintaining his position atop the leaderboard.
On Saturday, Fitzpatrick began with a slim one-shot advantage over Viktor Hovland. His score of 68 elevated him above challengers, though a group of four players remains within striking distance, including Scheffler who sits in strong position for Sunday’s final round. "Good to be back in the tournament," Scheffler remarked. "I was a little bit behind the 8-ball going into today, but had a nice round to put myself back in position."
Brian Harman also made headlines with a remarkable recovery after struggling early in the tournament. The former British Open champion improved on his opening 71 with an exceptional round of 63, bringing him to four shots off Fitzpatrick’s lead. Harman finished with an impressive bunker shot on the par-3 17th, further solidifying his presence on the leaderboard.
"Just tried to keep the pedal down. It’s going to take a low number to win," Harman said regarding his strategy.
Despite some struggles on the front nine, Fitzpatrick steadily built momentum by the time they reached the back side of the course. His performance included a distanced driver shot on the 315-yard ninth hole, enabling him to secure a two-putt birdie.
Scheffler’s early round featured several successful birdies, including impressive shots from greenside bunkers and a 15-foot putt on the sixth hole. Reflecting on his play, Scheffler noted, "It felt like I had already gotten myself into contention there," but was aware that Fitzpatrick was nailing difficult shots as well.
As the competition intensifies, players like Sepp Straka and Si Woo Kim also found form, each finishing within striking distance after strong rounds. Straka commented on the changing conditions, noting, "Early on the greens were pretty firm before the rain came through," suggesting that adapting to the course’s challenges plays a significant role in achieving strong scores.
With one round left, Fitzpatrick remains the player to beat, while Scheffler aims to replicate his strong performance. The final day promises excitement as these competitors chase the title at the RBC Heritage, showcasing their skills and strategies at the picturesque Harbour Town Golf Links.