Woodland’s Resurgence Continues at Shriners Children’s Open
Gary Woodland, the 2019 U.S. Open champion, has been on a long and arduous journey back to the top of his game after undergoing brain surgery in September 2023. But with three birdies in his last six holes, he finished the wind-delayed third round of the Shriners Children’s Open with a 6-under 65, catapulting himself into a share of the clubhouse lead.
A Newfound Sense of Confidence
Woodland’s resurgence can be attributed to his improved health and a renewed focus on his game. After reuniting with PGA Hall of Fame swing coach Randy Smith, he has started to see significant progress in his driving, iron play, and overall control of the golf ball. “I feel a lot better, and that’s a huge help,” Woodland said. “I’ve seen some signs that I’m starting to get my game back in order.”
A Crowded Leaderboard
Despite Woodland’s impressive performance, the leaderboard remains congested, with several players still in contention. J.T. Poston and Doug Ghim sit atop the leaderboard, one shot ahead of Woodland and Las Vegas resident Kurt Kitayama. Harris English and Alejandro Tosti of Argentina are also within striking distance, just two shots off the lead.
Conditions Set to Favor the Field
The wind, which had been a major factor in the tournament’s early stages, has subsided significantly, setting the stage for a thrilling final round. With the TPC Summerlin course now playing more benignly, the focus shifts from mere survival to aggressive scoring. “Conditions will be pretty easy,” Poston said. “Guys are making birdies, so it’s just trying to stay aggressive but also stay patient if the putts don’t fall early.”
A Star-Studded Field Fades Away
Meanwhile, some of the tournament’s biggest names have fallen by the wayside. Two-time defending champion Tom Kim missed the cut, as did the three winners in the FedEx Cup Fall – Patton Kizzire, Kevin Yu, and Matt McCarty. The stage is now set for a new champion to emerge, with Woodland and his fellow contenders ready to seize the opportunity.
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