McNealy, Whaley share lead at wide open RSM Classic, Canada’s Hughes tied for third
Maverick McNealy showed his resilience on Saturday at the RSM Classic, bouncing back from a rough start with a stellar 4-under 66 to catch up with Vince Whaley in a thrilling third round. The day saw a flurry of lead changes, with six players holding at least a share of the top spot at various points.
McNealy had a chance to take the lead on the final hole with a precise wedge shot that left him an 8-foot putt for birdie. Unfortunately, he missed the putt, but still finds himself in a strong position to pursue his first PGA Tour victory.
Whaley, also in search of his first tour win, carded a brilliant 63 to join McNealy at 14-under 198 for the tournament. This marks the second time this year that McNealy has held a share of the 54-hole lead, having done so previously at the season opener in Napa, California.
As the players head into the final round, the field is wide open with plenty of opportunities for movement. Daniel Berger surged up the leaderboard with a 63, positioning himself just two shots behind the leaders. He is tied with former Sea Island winner Mackenzie Hughes, Michael Thorbjornsen, and Patrick Fishburn.
Whaley approached the round with a sense of freedom, having already secured his spot in the top 125 in the FedEx Cup standings last week. This mindset has allowed him to play with confidence and could prove to be a significant advantage in the final round.
For players like Berger and Thorbjornsen, who entered the tournament outside the top 125, a strong finish at the RSM Classic could secure their full status on tour for next year. Berger, who battled back from a serious back injury, has shown remarkable resilience and is poised to capitalize on his recent good form.
As the competition heats up, several players on the brink of the top 125 are making their moves. Henrik Norlander and Hayden Springer both shot 63 to put themselves in contention for a potential leap into the coveted top 125. Meanwhile, Joel Dahmen, currently sitting at No. 124, faces a crucial final round that could determine his future on tour.
The leaderboard remains tightly packed, with eight players separated by just three shots. Among them is Luke Clanton, the talented Florida State sophomore and top-ranked amateur in the world, who is looking to add another impressive finish to his burgeoning PGA Tour resume.
With so much on the line in the final round of the RSM Classic, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to what has already been a captivating tournament. Stay tuned to see who will emerge victorious and punch their ticket to prestigious events like the Masters and PGA Championship.
