WATCH: Wild celebrations after Sam Ryder aces iconic 13th hole at Phoenix Open

Phoenix - American Sam Ryder aced the par-3 16th as thousands of spectators surrounding the hole roared with delight during the third round of the PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open.

The spectators around the iconic hole, which features a massive stand around the hole, then tossed their beer in the air and littered the green with empty cups, delaying the third round of the PGA Tour’s Phoenix Open.

"It has got to be number one," Ryder said when asked where it ranked among career thrills. "Nothing compares to that. I'm still coming down. It was a blur. I can't describe it."

A rowdy atmosphere was back at the event, where more than 100 000 fans attend daily, after last year's crowds were limited to 5 000 due to Covid-19 safety restrictions.

Meanwhile, rookie Sahith Theegala closed with a stunning par save to fire a two-under par 69 and seize a one-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the US PGA Phoenix Open.

The 24-year-old American birdied the 17th and blasted an 87-foot shot from greenside rough at the 18th within inches of the cup for a tap-in par to stand on 14-under 199 after 54 holes at TPC Scottsdale.

"It's really good to see that my game when it's good can keep up with some of the best in the game. It's really humbling," Theegala said.

"It definitely showed me a lot, that I seem to belong out here."

It doesn't get any better.