Theegala holds Phoenix Open lead as Ryder lands rare ace on 16th hole

Theegala, who is playing on a sponsor's exemption and only turned professional in 2020, had led after the opening two days' play at Scottsdale.

The 24-year-old American carded a two-under-69, recovering from a double bogey on the second hole, with five birdies across his round to be 14-under overall.

He holds a one-shot lead ahead of reigning champion Brooks Koepka, with the more credentialed Patrick Cantlay, Talor Gooch, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele a further stroke back.

Theegala was overshadowed by 32-year-old Ryder's hole in one, becoming only the 10th Phoenix Open participant to achieve the feat on the 16th at Scottsdale amid raucous scenes.

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!? ALL the drinks on me pic.twitter.com/xIfIL6NLxG

— Sam Ryder (@SamRyderSU) February 12, 2022

Ryder is not in contention, sitting eight strokes off the pace, and had endured a tough round with four bogeys and a double bogey but earned some redemption with his ace.

Ryder's 125-yard tee shot landed right of the cup and spun back in, ushering in wild celebrations from the crowd with beer cups flying on to the course, marking the first ace on the hole since Francesco Molinari seven years ago.

In the race for victory ahead of the final day, Scheffler was the big mover with a nine-under-62 shooting him up the leaderboard into a share of third.

Scheffler, who is currently ranked 15th in the world, carded seven birdies in his first nine holes on the third day.