Viktor Hovland Takes One-Shot Lead Into Tour Championship Final Round

Viktor Hovland will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta after closing his third round with consecutive birdies. BBC Sport reported that the Norwegian carded a five-under-par 65 to reach 15 under for the tournament, one clear of American Ryan Gerard.

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Hovland and Gerard began the round tied at 10 under. Hovland’s birdies on the 17th and 18th holes secured the outright lead, while Gerard also birdied the last to complete a 66 and remain close behind at 14 under. The season-ending PGA Tour event carries a $40 million prize fund and will also determine the FedEx Cup champion.

World number one Scottie Scheffler moved into the group at 12 under with a bogey-free 66. The 2024 Tour Championship winner is tied for third, three strokes off Hovland’s pace, alongside Australia’s Adam Scott, Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg and American Chris Gotterup. Scott also shot 66, while Aberg posted a 65.

Rory McIlroy made the largest move among the leading contenders, producing a seven-under 63 to reach 10 under and reduce his deficit to five shots. The Northern Irishman recorded nine birdies, including three in succession at the 15th, 16th and 17th holes. His score matched the lowest round of the day. Players Championship winner Cameron Young is also at 10 under.

Hovland is seeking a second FedEx Cup title after winning the season-long competition in 2023. Scheffler is attempting to regain the crown he secured in 2024, while McIlroy has won it a record three times, in 2016, 2019 and 2022. Their positions leave several established champions within range entering the final round.

Further down the leaderboard, England’s Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick are tied at eight under. Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and Alex Fitzpatrick are one stroke behind them after rounds of 67. Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre shot 63 while playing alone as the first player out, improving to four under in a field reduced to 29 after JJ Spaun withdrew injured during the opening round.