The 2017 Players Championship has provided plenty of drama through three rounds. The new-look TPC Sawgrass has tested and rewarded golfers, which is why a number of golfers remain in contention.
Kyle Stanley and J.B. Holmes grabbed a share of the lead Saturday as stiff breezes kept scores in check.
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Stanley is trying to win his first PGA Tour event since the Phoenix Open in 2012. He shot an even-par 72 in Round 3 despite hitting all but one fairway.
The leaderboard is packed, and Masters champion Sergio Garcia is lurking after a 5-under 67 Saturday. He is trying to join Tiger Woods as the only other player to win both the Masters and Players in the same year.
Here are Sunday's contenders and what they need to do to win:
Kyle Stanley (-9) — Stanley was one of the brightest stars coming out of Clemson a few years ago, but an inconsistent short game and putting woes have held him back. Now back in form, Stanley has the nerve and talent to reassert himself as a rising star with a win this week. He did a great job holding his nerves in check Saturday. If he can replicate that demeanor he should have a chance to win.
J.B. Holmes (-9) — Like Stanley, Holmes has flashed elite potential throughout his career, but just hasn't been able to consistently put it all together. Holmes is a masher off the tee, but he also has a deft touch around the greens. A few early birdies could put pressure on the rest of the field and allow Holmes to play more comfortably.
Louis Oosthuizen (-8) — Oosthuizen, winner of the 2010 British Open, just couldn't get anything going Saturday, but that is okay because he is still just one shot back. Still searching for his first win on U.S. soil, Oosthuizen should bounce back with a good round Sunday.
Sergio Garcia (-5) — Garcia looked overwhelmed Thursday when he quickly fell to 4 over. But the reigning Masters champ has been blitzing the course ever since, including a dramatic ace on No. 17 Thursday. He has all the momentum in the world, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him post another low number.
Others in contention:
Si Woo Kim (-7)
Emiliano Grillo (-6)
Ian Poulter (-6)
Patrick Cantlay (-5)
Alex Noren (-5)
