Scottie Scheffler salvaged his The Players Championship campaign with a bogey-free 67 in Saturday's third round, five birdies moving him back under par after two shaky starts. The world No 1 needed a final-hole birdie Friday just to make the cut, his first potential missed cut since 2022, but rebounded strongly among early starters at TPC Sawgrass.

Scheffler, seeking his third win in four years at golf's flagship PGA Tour event, showed improved ball-striking and scrambling. He was perfect around the greens and more accurate off the tee, hitting more fairways after struggling early in the tournament. The four-time major champion emphasized his focus on process over results, proud of maintaining the right attitude despite inconsistent play.

Rory McIlroy's title defense continued to unravel as he posted a level-par 72, sitting last among weekend qualifiers in strokes gained putting. The Masters champion needed 33 putts and made only 61 feet of putts in another disappointing display. Former Ryder Cup player David Howell described McIlroy as 'all at sea on the greens,' with three birdies offset by three bogeys in a lacklustre round that ended before the final group teed off.