SAN DIEGO — Sam Ryder is attempting to win his first PGA Tour title in his 147th start. Breathing down his neck is Jon Rahm, the hottest player on the planet, who is bidding to become just the fourth player in the last 25 years to win in three straight starts. And lining up behind Rahm are five players who competed in the Presidents Cup. No big deal for Ryder, if he’s to find the winner’s circle for the first time. But to be the best, Ryder knows he’s going to have to beat the best, and he’s embracing the challenge.
“This is ultimately what we want, right? That’s why we play,” he said. “I can’t recreate that anywhere else in my line of work, so it’s just exciting, it’s fun.”
Ryder finished with 12 straight pars at Torrey Pines’ South Course on Friday, and posted an even-par 72 to remain at 12 under and two strokes ahead of Rahm. Ryder began the day leading by three strokes but took three putts at the second and watched a host of top players climb a little closer to the lead. Ryder made his only birdie at the par-5 sixth hole and continues to be rock solid when he has missed the green – 9 of 10 in scrambling this week.
“Overall, I’m very pleased,” he said. “Starting the day with a lead, ending the day with a lead, pretty satisfied.”
Ryder said he’s a creature of habit, something he picked up playing baseball in his youth.
“We’re a very superstitious bunch, the baseball players. It’s like if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it kind of thing,” he explained. “I remember where I was in Omaha when I won (on the Korn Ferry Tour), I was sitting at the same seat at the bar. I’m not going to that level, but just sticking to what I’m doing. It’s nice to kind of feel the same. I can’t control the weather or the conditions, my tee time, things like that. If I can control my environment as much as possible, it helps you feel a little bit more comfortable.”
He may not be sitting at the same bar stool, but he has been eating the same meal everyday at Urban Plates, a restaurant he described as “semi-healthy.” And his meal of choice?
“It was just a little chimichurri steak and some sweet potatoes and broccoli and a little rice. Pretty simple,” he said, adding that he washed it down with sparkling water.
Ryder has a big task ahead of him in the final round but he said he has won at every level. “This is next on the list,” he said. “Whether it’s tomorrow or whether it’s down the road, I believe…
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