Juvic Pagunsan’s couldn’t shake off his struggles in the Tokyo Olympics after dropping to a tie for 55th place following a 4-over 76 in the third round Saturday, July 31 at the Kasumigaseki Country Club.
Pagunsan committed five bogeys, including four on the back nine to post a three-day total of 215, his medal chances all but over being 16 shots off leader Xander Schauffele of the United States. Schauffele is a shot ahead of Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, the winner of this year’s Masters in Augusta, Georgia.
The 43-year-old has not been the same after opening his first Olympic campaign with a 66. He dropped to a share of 25th in the second round with a 73 marred by six bogeys, a sluggish showing which Pagunsan later cited to his poor putting game.
Pagunsan started the front nine with just one bogey on the par-5 5th hole. But more bogeys came for Pagunsan on Nos. 11, 12, 16, which he birdied in the first round, and 17.