Bhatia Battles to Pebble Beach Lead as Morikawa Charges
Akshay Bhatia maintains a narrow two-stroke advantage heading into the final round of the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but a stunning 62 from Collin Morikawa has thrown the tournament wide open. The leaderboard is tightly packed, setting the stage for a dramatic finish amidst challenging weather conditions.
Bhatia’s Front-Loaded Surge
Bhatia built his lead with a blistering start, carding six birdies in his first seven holes. While a bogey on the 17th slightly tempered his momentum, he finished with a 68, bringing his total to 19 under par. This performance demonstrates the importance of capitalizing on opportunities early in a round, particularly on a demanding course like Pebble Beach.
Morikawa’s Record-Equaling Round
Collin Morikawa’s 62 not only propelled him into contention but likewise matched the tournament’s low round. This impressive display highlights Morikawa’s exceptional ball-striking ability and his capacity to perform under pressure. Jake Knapp and Sepp Straka also posted strong scores of 66 and 67 respectively, joining Morikawa in a tie for second at 17 under.
Weather Impacts and Adjusted Tee Times
The final round will be played under increasingly difficult conditions, with heavy rain and strong winds forecast. Tournament officials have adjusted tee times to run from 7:22 to 9:45 a.m. Local time, utilizing split tees to expedite play and minimize exposure to the worst of the weather. This proactive approach underscores the growing importance of adapting to unpredictable environmental factors in professional golf.
McIlroy Struggles, Demonstrating Course Difficulty
Defending champion Rory McIlroy experienced a challenging day, falling ten strokes behind the leader despite a promising start. A costly seven at the fourth and a double bogey on the final hole resulted in an even-par 72. McIlroy’s struggles emphasize the unforgiving nature of Pebble Beach and the need for consistent precision throughout the tournament.
The Rise of Bhatia: A New Force in Golf?
Akshay Bhatia is seeking his third career PGA Tour victory. His performance at Pebble Beach suggests he is becoming a consistent contender. The ability to build and maintain a lead, even with minor setbacks, is a hallmark of championship-caliber golfers.
FAQ
Q: What is the prize money for the 2026 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am?
A: The total prize money is $20 million, with the winner receiving $3.6 million.
Q: How many players are competing in the tournament?
A: The tournament features a limited field of 80 players, with no cut.
Q: What courses are used during the tournament?
A: The tournament uses Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill for the first two days, with all players exclusively playing Pebble Beach on Saturday and Sunday.
Q: What is the current weather forecast for the final round?
A: Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast, leading to adjusted tee times.
Did you know? Akshay Bhatia had an eagle at the first hole during his third round.
Stay updated with the latest scores and highlights from the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Golfpost.
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