Scheffler surges at 3M Open with blistering back nine

Scottie Scheffler had a superb back nine on day three of the 3M Open (Andrew Wevers)World number one Scottie Scheffler surged back into contention at the 3M Open on Saturday with a stunning back nine featuring an eagle and five birdies.

>The four-time major winner had been seven shots behind overnight leader Michael Kim at the turn on day three of the PGA Tour event in Minnesota.

>Scheffler admitted he had given himself a talking-to that featured language "I shouldn't repeat if it's being recorded" after his bogey on nine.

>The American suddenly hit a hot streak and carded a seven-under-par 64 to finish on 14-under, tied for the clubhouse lead, with several contenders on the course.

>"We'll see how far back I am going into tomorrow, but overall definitely pleased with the back nine," Scheffler said.

>"Probably going to need another low number tomorrow if I want to keep the pace."

>It has been a year of consistently fine golf but multiple frustrating near-misses for Scheffler

>He has won just one tournament, back in January, despite multiple runner-up finishes, and no majors.

>To win on Sunday he will need to overcome contenders including Kim, who on Friday posted a 59 -- the 16th sub-60 round ever on the US PGA Tour.

>"Hit a nice wedge there into 10 and made a nice putt at 11 and kind of figured I needed to make as many birdies as I could coming in," said Scheffler.

>He chipped to within inches of the hole on 12, made another birdie at 15, and then an eagle at the shortened 16.

>"(They) moved the hole up so it was drivable. Hit a decent drive, just pulled it slightly but left myself in a good spot there with an uphill chip," said Scheffler.

>"It's always nice when those from off the green can go in."

>amz/bb