Colombian golfer Sebastián muñoz delivered an outstanding performance on Monday, carding a remarkable 65 strokes (7 under par) at The Players tournament held at TPC sawgrass in Ponte Vedra beach. This stellar round positions him just one stroke behind the current leader, India’s Anirban lahiri, who holds a total score of 207 (-9).
Muñoz’s impressive 65, featuring seven birdies, was matched only by American Scott Stallings, who achieved the same score with eight birdies and one bogey.
Lahiri maintained his led after the third day, finishing with a 67 (-5) to retain his cumulative score of -9. This consistency follows his strong performance from the previous day,where he concluded at the 11th hole.
Sharing second place, just one stroke behind Lahiri, are Muñoz and American Sam Burns, who also carded a 67 in the third round.
Representing Spain, Sergio García and Jon Rahm are tied for twenty-sixth place, each with a total score of 213 (-3). García, hailing from Castellón, posted a 71 (-1) in the third round, marking a slight decline from his previous day’s performance.
The world’s top-ranked golfer finished with an even par (72), bringing his cumulative score to 213 (-3), an enhancement from his standing the day before.
Mexican golfer abraham Ancer also finds himself in twenty-sixth place after a 74 (+2) in the third round. The final round of the tournament is set to commence shortly, promising an exciting conclusion to the competition.
Exclusive Interview with Retired Golf Legend Ernie Els on the Players Championship Drama
Moderator: Good evening, everyone, and welcome to today’s special interview. We’re joined by none other than golf legend Ernie Els, a four-time major champion and one of the most respected voices in the game. Ernie, thank you for joining us. Today, we’re diving into the excitement of The Players Championship, where Sebastián Muñoz, Anirban Lahiri, and others are making waves. Let’s get straight into it.
ernie Els: Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to talk golf, especially when the competition is as thrilling as what we’re seeing at TPC Sawgrass.
Moderator: Let’s start with Sebastián Muñoz’s remarkable 65 in the third round.Seven birdies,no bogeys—what’s your take on his performance?
Ernie Els: It’s an incredible round,no doubt. Shooting 65 at TPC Sawgrass is no easy feat. The course demands precision, and Muñoz showed incredible composure. Seven birdies without dropping a shot is a testament to his focus and execution. I’ve been a fan of his game for a while, and this performance cements his place among the rising stars in golf.
Moderator: Do you think he can maintain this momentum in the final round and challenge Lahiri for the title?
Ernie Els: That’s the million-dollar question. Muñoz has the talent, but TPC Sawgrass is a different beast on the final day. The pressure, the undulations, and the notorious 17th hole—it’s a mental and physical challenge. Lahiri, on the other hand, has been consistent. He’s been in this position before and knows how to handle the heat. It’ll be a engaging duel, but I’d give Lahiri a slight edge just based on experience.
moderator: speaking of Lahiri, he’s been a model of consistency, with a 67 in the third round to maintain his lead. What impresses you most about his game right now?
Ernie Els: His ability to stay composed under pressure.lahiri’s been playing with a lot of confidence,and his course management has been impeccable.He’s not forcing shots; he’s playing smart golf. That’s what it takes to win at this level. Plus, he’s been clutch on the greens, which is frequently enough the difference-maker at TPC Sawgrass.
Moderator: What about Sam Burns, who’s tied with Muñoz just one shot behind Lahiri? Do you see him as a serious contender?
Ernie Els: Absolutely. Burns is a proven winner on the PGA tour, and his 67 in the third round shows he’s in form. He’s got the distance off the tee and a solid short game,which is crucial at Sawgrass. If he can keep his nerves in check, he’s definitely in the mix.
Moderator: Let’s shift gears to Sergio García and Jon rahm, who are tied for 26th place. Both are stalwarts of the game, but it seems they’ve struggled this week. What’s your analysis?
Ernie Els: It’s surprising, to be honest. Both are world-class players, but TPC Sawgrass can be unforgiving if your game is slightly off.García’s 71 and Rahm’s even-par 72 suggest they’re not firing on all cylinders. Having mentioned that, they’re both capable of going low in the final round. It’s just a matter of finding their rhythm early.
Moderator: Abraham Ancer is also in the mix at 26th place. how do you assess his performance so far?
Ernie Els: Ancer’s had a solid year, but it seems he’s struggled to find consistency this week. A 74 in the third round is not what he would’ve wanted, but he’s still in a decent position. If he can tighten up his iron play and make a few putts, he could climb the leaderboard.
Moderator: Ernie, let’s wrap this up with a question for our readers. If you had to pick one player to win The Players Championship tomorrow,who would it be and why?
Ernie Els: I’d go with Anirban Lahiri. He’s been the most consistent player this week, and he’s got the experience to handle the pressure. That said, golf is unpredictable, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
Moderator: Thank you, Ernie, for your insights. Readers, we’d love to hear your thoughts. who do you think will win The Players Championship? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion!
Ernie Els: My pleasure.Thanks for having me, and good luck to all the players out there tomorrow. It’s going to be a thrilling finish!
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What are your predictions for the final round of The Players Championship? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the conversation going!
