Riley leads Scheffler by four strokes at somber Colonial

Davis Riley shot a 4-under 66 to maintain a four-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler at the Charles Schwab Challenge, while PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan addressed the death of two-time tour winner Grayson Murray. Scheffler, who was involved in an incident during the PGA Championship that resulted in a pedestrian’s death, faces the difficult task of competing while processing the loss of a fellow player.

Monahan, who traveled to Texas after learning of Murray’s death on Saturday, emphasized the long-term emotional impact on the tour community and the importance of supporting Murray’s family. Murray, who had struggled with alcohol and mental health issues, withdrew late in his second round at Colonial on Friday, and his death was reported less than 24 hours later.

As Riley, at 14-under 196, prepares for the final round, the focus is split between his potential first solo victory and how players will honor Murray. Scheffler, who shot a 63 to sit at 10 under, has been on a hot streak, playing his last 41 holes in 13 under since a triple-bogey in the first round. Despite his strong performance, Scheffler expressed his sorrow over Murray’s death, reflecting on their growing friendship over the past six months.

Pierceson Coody and Hayden Buckley are a stroke behind Scheffler after both shot 69s. Tony Finau sits in sixth place at 7 under after a 68, followed by Collin Morikawa, who is tied at 6 under with three others, including Keegan Bradley, who competed with Murray in the Sony Open playoff four months ago.

Webb Simpson, who had known Murray since childhood, learned of his death just before teeing off, and shared his shock and sadness. Simpson shot 75 and is 1 over for the tournament.

Riley, who previously won the Zurich Classic team event, birdied five of the first eight holes before two consecutive bogeys, his second and third of the week. He looks forward to the challenge of competing against Scheffler, who has been bogey-free since the triple-bogey and has a strong track record at Colonial.

Scheffler narrowed the gap with three birdies in the last four holes, emphasizing his focus on execution rather than leaderboard positions. Fellow hometown favorite Jordan Spieth shot 71 and is 1 under, while defending champion Emiliano Grillo is tied for last among those who made the cut.

Pierceson Coody, playing on a sponsor exemption, is contending on a course that has undergone significant renovations since last year’s event. Coody, who is two shots back after starting the round, faced a seven-shot deficit following a double-bogey at the ninth hole.

This mix of competition and tribute defines the final round at Colonial, where players balance the drive for victory with honoring the memory of a lost colleague.