Akshay Bhatia dropped two bogeys late on the back nine during the third round of the TOUR Championship and fell to a tie for 22nd place among 29 players. After standing tied for 11th following the second round, Bhatia shot a 1-over 71, bringing his overall score to 5-under following rounds of 65, 69, and 71.
Bhatia lost a shot on the fifth hole but regained it on the 12th. However, consecutive bogeys on the 14th and 15th holes caused him to fall back again, despite recording a birdie on the 17th. Although one more round remains, Bhatia has secured his place in all four Majors next season by qualifying for the TOUR Championship.
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Viktor Hovland made four birdie putts from seven feet or longer in his final six consecutive attempts, finishing with a 5-under 65 to take a one-shot lead in the season finale.
Hovland recorded a pair of 8-foot birdie putts at the end to reach 15-under 195, holding a one-shot advantage over TOUR Championship newcomer Ryan Gerard, who completed a bogey-free round of 66.
Scottie Scheffler (66) and Chris Gotterup (67), who together have won five PGA TOUR titles this year, were three shots behind at 12-under 198. They were joined by 46-year-old Adam Scott and Ludvig Aberg, both shooting 65 as they seek their first wins of the year.
Rory McIlroy, despite two bogeys and settling for par on the par-5 18th hole, posted a 63 to move within five shots of the lead. Cameron Young, hampered by a double bogey on the 10th, carded a 68 and remained in contention.
The final day offers a prize of USD 10 million to the winner, the largest official payout in golf for a single tournament, as well as the FedExCup title, which includes a five-year exemption on the PGA TOUR.
Hovland previously won the FedExCup in 2023, securing victories in the final two events of a three-tournament postseason. Although the current situation might not feel the same, the Norwegian would welcome leaving the tournament with two trophies.
Hovland excelled on the greens down the stretch, making crucial putts: 11 feet for birdie on the 13th, 18 feet to save par on the 14th, 11 feet for birdie on the 15th, a 7-foot par putt on the 16th, and two closing birdies.
Gerard played strongly, particularly on the back nine, birdieing both par-5s and maintaining a chance for his first win of the year, which could influence his selection for the Presidents Cup.
McIlroy, starting seven shots behind with little to lose, recognized he would need another round like his 63 to challenge for a fourth FedExCup title. He noted the unusual situation of a crowded leaderboard and last place standing at 3-under par throughout his experience with the season finale format.
Scheffler also completed a bogey-free round and expressed regret at missing several birdie opportunities from 8 to 12 feet. Nevertheless, he remains in contention after a season of remarkable consistency that could position him to surpass Tiger Woods on the career money list.
Adam Scott remains amid the contenders, pursuing his first victory since 2020.
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