ATLANTA — Viktor Hovland continued to play confident golf within the third spherical of the Tour Championship. He fired off a 4-under 66 to push him to 20-under for the match.
The closest man to him is Xander Schauffele at 14-under who carded a 68 on Saturday. The remainder of the field seemingly fell apart within the warmth. Not Hovland although.
“I don’t suppose I’ve ever performed this effectively earlier than,” Hovland mentioned. “With this stretch, simply placing all of the quick recreation and stuff collectively. I’ve definitely hit the ball this good earlier than. I really feel like I’ve hit the ball higher than I’ve this week and even final week. It’s about placing all of it collectively.”
“It appeared like the nice weeks that I’ve had earlier than I’ve at all times managed to short-side myself or chip a pair occasions and find yourself out of competition. Even this 12 months I really feel like I’ve simply develop into a bit of bit extra full, and I don’t need to hit it my finest to be in competition. I don’t need to hit each shot pure. I can miss it barely and rise up and down and transfer on.”
Nothing fazed the five-time PGA Tour winner on Saturday. Even a climate delay added gasoline to his hearth, and his bogey on the par-4 14th solely fired him up extra.
After his lone bogey, he lined up his shot on the par-3 fifteenth and fired off an unbelievable tee shot that landed 15 feet from the hole.
Because the crowds chanted “VIK-TOR HOV-LAND,” the 25-year-old confirmed no emotion. He lined up his putt and sank the 15-footer for birdie. From there, the Norweigan performed East Lake like a veteran — he knew there was no want for something too aggressive.
He’s 18 holes away from claiming his first FedEx Cup title and could be the primary Norweigan to perform that feat.
“The record of names that’s been on that trophy is fairly particular,” Hovland mentioned. “Clearly it’s possibly not a marathon, nevertheless it feels extra like a dash. It’s a marathon entering into this week, nevertheless it’s arduous to win the FedExCup for those who haven’t performed effectively the previous few weeks. It’s a terrific record of names that’s gained the match — it might be superior to have my identify on there.”
Hovland and Schauffele will tee off at 1:40 p.m. ET for the ultimate spherical of the Tour Championship.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in Via. You may comply with her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports for extra golf protection. You should definitely take a look at @_PlayingThrough too.
