Sepp Straka edged out much of the inclement weather on Friday at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, but the forecast for Saturday reveals he may not be so fortunate. Straka, who posted his second consecutive 7-under 65, has leveraged favorable conditions to carve out a three-shot lead over competitors including Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler.
The Austrian golfer capitalized on calmer winds to master the Pebble Beach Golf Links, completing about 14 holes with little resistance from the elements. Unfortunately, the tide is set to turn as tournament officials prepare to tee off the final rounds.
Forecasts from the PGA Tour indicate winds will escalate beginning around noon, with sustained speeds of 14 to 20 mph alongside gusts reaching 28 mph. The weather bulletin warns of impending rain—60% chance at noon and 2 p.m.—with temperatures likely remaining below the 60s. "Just kind of accepting bad shots, that's where the patience come in," Straka said, highlighting the mental aspect of keeping composure under challenging conditions. Straka is not only dealing with fierce winds but is also recovering from the flu.
Despite making initial progress, both McIlroy and Scheffler found themselves at the mercy of challenging weather as they faced stronger gusts later. McIlroy's round was turbulent as he made four bogeys over six holes, yet he managed to salvage his day with a spectacular eagle putt from 25 feet on the 18th hole, finishing with a score of 70. Scheffler, who faced similar hurdles, secured par on the 18th hole with some quick thinking and athleticism, turning what could have been disaster on the course—from nearly throwing away his score to salvaging his round.
Meanwhile, the prospects for Saturday's play heavily rely upon the players' ability to adapt to the forthcoming harsh climate. Saturday's weather is anticipated to produce gusts up to 30 mph, alongside intermittent rain—no small feat for any competitor aiming to secure their footing on the leaderboard. The winds will not only affect the players' focus but also how the golf ball travels, and golfers will need to reassess their strategies on approach shots and putting.
“It's going to change Pebble a lot,” said Tony Finau, echoing the sentiment of many competitors preparing for the cold realities of the third round. His fellow players echoed his thoughts, with Russell Henley stating, “Everybody’s going to deal with it...so I’m just going to try to commit to my shots.”
Straka has surged to the lead with his coveted position, but the realities of wind gusts altering gameplay means he must keep pushing hard to maintain his edge. The driving force behind his current success can be traced to improved putting techniques and newfound confidence after winning at The American Express tournament just weeks earlier.
The third round will demand resilience and adaptability as competitors don their gear—gloves, mittens, and waterproof jackets—ready to face what Mother Nature throws their way. Straka's momentum is palpable, yet the unpredictable elements mean he’ll need to navigate his game carefully if he wishes to ward off challengers against the tide.
History attests to the lessons learned from adverse weather; just last year, severe conditions caused drastic disruptions, with television towers and tents collapsing, forcing officials to crown Wyndham Clark as the winner after just 54 holes. Although conditions are expected not as severe this year, they will still heavily shape the game.
Sepp Straka leads the charge with 14-under par, with Russell Henley and Cam Davis closely trailing at 11-under par apiece. The course, with its histories of demanding conditions, will undoubtedly showcase who adapts best on Saturday as it becomes clear—when the wind picks up, and the rain falls, the competitors must cope not just with golf but with the elements.