Trevor Immelman believes that Scottie Scheffler put everything together for one of the first times this season during the third round of the 3M Open, as he assessed the world number one’s chances of catching Jackson Koivun and winning on Sunday.
Scheffler goes into the final round in Minnesota six shots off the lead held by Koivun. The 30-year-old will play alongside Brian Harman on Sunday at TPC Twin Cities, with the pair heading out 50 minutes before the leader.
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Many would have expected this to be the week that Scheffler secures his first victory since beginning his PGA Tour season with a win at The American Express back in January.
He was able to get off to a bright start on Thursday, as he posted an opening round of 65. However, a 70 on Friday left Scheffler with plenty of work to do.
Trevor Immelman assesses Scottie Scheffler’s week so far at the 3M Open
His task only got harder as Scheffler found himself at level par through the front nine on Saturday. But five birdies and one eagle after the turn have left him with a chance.
And speaking on CBS Sports, Trevor Immelman suggested that he does not think that Scheffler is out of the mix just yet.
“He needs to keep doing what he did today, particularly on the second nine today. It was a big swing from round two when he was a couple over on the back nine, and then today on that same side. He seemed to put it all together today, which is what we’ve kind of been missing from Scheffler throughout the season. Ball-striking was there, started making a few putts, and maybe this will just jumpstart the remainder of the season for him,” he said.
“I think the key is the first par five comes at the seventh hole here at TPC Twin Cities, so can he pick off a few before he gets to the par five seventh, put a little scoreboard pressure on Koivun, and then see how the kid reacts from there. A good start is going to be needed for Scheffler. He can’t leave himself six or seven back with nine holes to play. He’s going to have to eat into that lead, try and get within three at the turn.”
What Jackson Koivun showed in the warm-up to seriously impress Immelman
Of course, Scottie Scheffler‘s performance has been completely overshadowed so far by the remarkable display from Jackson Koivun.
His 61 on Saturday has left the 21-year-old three shots clear with 18 holes to play on only his third professional start.
Like Scheffler, it was during Koivun’s back nine that he was really able to steal the show. The youngster made four birdies and two eagles to take control of the tournament.
And Immelman explained that he was not at all surprised by Koivun’s game after getting the opportunity to speak with him just before his third round began.
“Just about everything impressed me about this young man, starting with his demeanour in the warm-up today. I went down and spoke to him and hung out with him for a little while. He was so cool and calm and collected, and had great conversation, a great back and forth with me, so immediately I could tell that he wasn’t too wound up. He was feeling good about himself and his game,” he said.
“My goodness, did he turn it on on that second side. In fact, the last 10 holes, he was nine under with two eagles. It was just so much fun for us to be a part of up here and call that action. Really, really looking forward to seeing how he reacts and finishes off tomorrow.”
It would be incredibly impressive if Koivun was able to get across the line and secure his first PGA Tour victory on Sunday evening, particularly with Scheffler in the field.
However, it is surely safe to say that whatever happens in the final round, Koivun has already made a real statement that he is here to stay.
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