Shane Lowry (-13), David Skinns (-13) and Austin Eckroat (-13) are the three leaders after the third day of the Cognizant Classic at The Palm Beaches, a PGA Tour tournament that marks the start of the Florida tour. Three very prominent leaders, with a three-stroke lead over Jacob Bridgeman, Min Woo Lee, Martin Laird, Kevin Yu and Vctor Perez. At first glance, in many other tournaments, we would say that the top three have it in their hands, but if the PGA National has proven anything throughout its history, it is that it produces tremendous upheavals in the ranking. Today alone, to give just one example, Bob Cauley, who started as the sole leader, ended up five strokes from the top spot after playing over par.
A lot can happen in 18 holes at the Bear Trap. For this reason, we should consider as potential winners, at least with options, the 25 golfers who are only separated by five strokes. We do not include Rory McIlroy (-7), who was fully involved in the fight until he tried to hit a heroic shot on hole 16 from the water and ended up making a triple bogey. These things happen on Nicklaus’s course.
🚨WATCH: Rory McIlroy is having a tough time from the water 💦 at The Cognizant @TrackingRory https://t.co/klJB9lepu6
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 2, 2024
Of the three leaders, the clear favourite has to be Shane Lowry, not only because he has a better resume and is in better shape, but also because he has come close to winning this tournament on other occasions. It’s a course that he likes. Today only two players have handed in a better card than him. It was Jacob Bridgeman and Russell Henley, both with 65 strokes.
Precisely, that result of 65 strokes can be a good clue as to where the results will have to go to win tomorrow, at least if the conditions are good and the wind does not blow too much. Otherwise, obviously, everything can change. It does not seem that it is going to blow much, but rain is announced and, even, it could lead to some electrical storm from three in the afternoon.
The big surprise in the ranking is, without a doubt, the presence of David Skinns, a 42-year-old English professional who will have the best opportunity this Sunday to turn his life around 180 degrees. He could achieve his first victory on the PGA Tour 19 years after turning professional. A real golf worker, raised on the mini tours of the United States after going to university there. In 2018 he achieved his first victory on the Korn Ferry Tour and in 2022 he moved up to the first division for the first time. His wish is to be the new Richard Bland.
On the other hand, Jorge Campillo (-1) has not had his best day on the golf course. Beyond the result, 72 strokes, the Extremaduran was not at all happy with his game, especially with the irons and a bit with the drive. In fact, it was his short game and the putter that kept him in the tournament and still with options tomorrow to finish with a good comeback.
