[Masters] Im Sung-jae 3rd Place, 5 Shots Behind "Still a Chance to Win"... World No.1 Scheffler Dominates

Published 10 Apr.2022 11:43(KST)

Masters Day 3: Scheffler Still Leading, Smith 2nd with "4-Under Par Daily Best," Woods Tied 41st Falters

Im Sung-jae is making a bunker shot on the 18th hole on the third day of the Masters. Augusta, USA - Photo by Getty Images/Multibits

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyun-jun] ‘3rd place, 5 strokes behind’.

‘Shriners Champ’ Im Sung-jae (23)’s march toward a major victory continues. On the 10th (Korean time), at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA (par 72, 7,510 yards), he posted 1-under par on the third day of the Masters (total prize money $15 million) to secure 3rd place (4-under par 212 strokes). World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (USA) leads (9-under par 207 strokes), while ‘the 5th major’ The Players champion Cameron Smith (Australia) is in 2nd place (4-under par 210 strokes), chasing the lead.

Im Sung-jae recorded 5 birdies, 2 bogeys, and 1 double bogey. Above all, the double bogey on the 1st hole (par 4) was regrettable. His second shot went beyond the green, and the third shot also failed to ‘get on the green,’ resulting in ‘4 on and 2 putts.’ Consecutive bogeys on the 5th and 6th holes distanced him from the leaders. Fortunately, he picked up three ‘stepping-stone birdies’ on the 8th, 10th, and 12th holes. He added late momentum with two birdies on the 15th and 17th holes. “The strong wind made it difficult to judge distance,” he said, adding, “I will focus on every shot tomorrow.”

Scottie Scheffler (left) is examining the putting line on the 7th hole on the third day of the Masters. Augusta, USA = Getty Images / Multibits

Scheffler posted 6 birdies and 5 bogeys for 1-under par, continuing his solo lead (9-under par 207 strokes). He rose to the PGA Tour champion ranks at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February, known as the ‘golf liberation zone,’ and has won 3 of his last 5 events, including the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Dell Technologies Match Play in March. He appears to be evolving through regular tournaments, invitationals, and match play. This time, he is challenging for a major victory.

Smith emerged as a dark horse with a daily best 4-under par. He is riding high after winning The Players following the 2022 season-opening Sentry Tournament in January. Shane Lowry (Ireland) is tied for 4th place (2-under par 214 strokes), and Justin Thomas (USA) is tied for 6th place (1-under par 215 strokes). Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), aiming to become the sixth ‘career Grand Slammer’ in global golf history, is facing a red light, tied for 9th place (1-over par 217 strokes).

Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) surprisingly dropped to a tie for 14th place (2-over par 218 strokes) after struggling with 5-over par. Starting tied for 2nd, he collapsed with 2 birdies, 5 bogeys, and 1 double bogey. Korea’s Kim Si-woo (27) lost one stroke but is performing well in a tie for 18th place (3-over par 219 strokes). ‘The returned golf emperor’ Tiger Woods (USA) was held back on the greens, including a ‘4-putt double bogey,’ finishing tied for 41st place (7-over par 223 strokes).