Golf fans were left stunned after a dramatic meltdown on the final hole shook up the leaderboard at the prestigious Pebble Beach Pro-Am. But here's where it gets controversial... Was it a moment of justified frustration or a sign of cracking under pressure? Australia’s Min Woo Lee, a fan favorite known for his fiery spirit, couldn’t hide his disappointment as he finished the third round with back-to-back bogeys, sending his golf ball flying into the Pacific Ocean in a display of raw emotion. This collapse left him five shots behind leader Akshay Bhatia, who sits comfortably at 19-under par in the $20 million tournament. Catch all the action live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS via Kayo Sports, where new subscribers can snag their first month for just $1. (https://kayosports.com.au/?pg=golf&extcamp=fsaeditoriallinkgolf-edt-fsp-lnk-awr-grc-glf-kyo&channel=fsa&campaign=fsacontra&voucher=)
Lee’s day had started with promise, highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 14th hole, but his late unraveling pushed him back to 14-under par, sharing seventh place. The 27-year-old’s struggles began on the par-3 17th, where a wayward tee shot landed in a greenside bunker, costing him a shot. And this is the part most people miss... It was the final hole, however, where things truly spiraled. A wild drive on the scenic par-5, hugging the iconic coastline, found a bush, forcing Lee to take an unplayable lie. His third shot, played from a cart path, ended up in another bunker, leaving him with a daunting 10-meter putt to save par. Frustrated by gusty winds that seemed to toy with his ball, Lee faced sarcastic cheers from the crowd for his deliberate approach. After missing the putt and settling for another bogey, his frustration boiled over, culminating in the dramatic ball toss into the ocean.
Lee isn’t the only player making waves at Pebble Beach. Leader Akshay Bhatia, eyeing the $5 million winner’s cheque, faced similar wind challenges on the 18th, with his group taking nearly 35 minutes to complete the hole. But here's the real controversy... Bhatia has faced accusations of anchoring—a banned practice—due to his use of a broomstick putter, similar to Australia’s Adam Scott. The left-hander defended himself on Instagram, claiming, “Not anchoring. Literally 2 inches short of my chest haha,” in response to a post analyzing his technique. Is this a fair criticism or an overreaction? Let us know in the comments!
Bhatia enters the final round with a two-shot lead over Collin Morikawa, Sepp Straka, and Jake Knapp, following a solid four-under 68. Meanwhile, wild weather has forced an early start for the final round, with tee times between 2:22am and 4:45am AEDT on Monday due to a predicted afternoon storm and strong winds. Despite the challenging conditions, the third round saw impressive scores, though the players’ attire—beanies and thick jumpers—hinted at the icy winds sweeping in from the Pacific.
Tommy Fleetwood, at 14-under, expressed surprise at the low scores given the tough weather. “The scoring’s been amazing today, and I don’t think it was an easy day,” the FedEx Cup champion noted. “There were plenty of demanding shots, but golfers are just that good.” The varying wind directions and strengths, especially on the coastal holes, added an extra layer of difficulty.
Collin Morikawa stole the show with a stunning 10-under 62, vaulting 25 places into a share of second at 17-under. The two-time major champion carded 11 birdies, showcasing his exceptional ball-striking skills. Morikawa, seeking his first win since 2023, credited mental coach Rick Sessinghaus for helping him shift his mindset. “I came out to win, not just make cuts or top-20s,” he said. “It’s a small adjustment, but it’s made all the difference.”
Australia’s Jason Day sits tied for 31st at 10-under after consecutive rounds of 68. As the final round approaches, all eyes are on whether Bhatia can hold his nerve, Morikawa can complete his comeback, or Lee can bounce back from his late collapse. What do you think? Can Bhatia fend off the competition, or will someone like Morikawa steal the spotlight? Share your predictions below! For all the latest golf news, highlights, and analysis, sign up for Fox Sports Sportmail and get updates delivered straight to your inbox. (https://www.foxsports.com.au/newsletter-sign-up?utmsource=GolfArticle&utmmedium=TextLink&utm_campaign=signup)
