Sepp Straka Takes Lead at 2025 Hero World Challenge with Dominant Third Round
Austrian Sepp Straka fires a bogey-free 64 with two eagles to take the lead at 17-under par, one shot ahead of defending champion Scottie Scheffler heading into the final round.
Sepp Straka moved into the lead at the 2025 Hero World Challenge with a spectacular third-round performance, firing an 8-under 64 to reach 17-under par and hold a one-shot advantage heading into the tournament's final round at Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas.
Straka's Eagle Performance
The Austrian star made a statement on Saturday with a bogey-free round that featured four birdies and two eagles—one on each of the par-5s. His aggressive approach and precise execution with two crucial chip-ins gave him momentum heading into Sunday's finale at the Tiger Woods-hosted invitational.
"It's been a special run this week," Straka said. "I'm playing well and I feel like I have momentum going into tomorrow."
Scheffler Charging Hard
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler kept pace with eight birdies and an eagle of his own in a 65 on Saturday to sit at 16-under par, just one shot back. The two-time defending champion showed his championship pedigree with a strong round, though a couple of late bogeys over his final three holes prevented him from closing the gap completely.
The Field Through Three Rounds
The battle for position remains intense:
- 1st: Sepp Straka (-17)
- 2nd: Scottie Scheffler (-16)
- T3: J.J. Spaun, Cameron Young, Hideki Matsuyama, Wyndham Clark (various positions between -12 and -13)
Sunday's Showdown
Straka and Scheffler will tee off together at 12:25 pm ET on Sunday for the final round, with the pressure mounting as the tournament enters its decisive stage. The Austrian is chasing his third PGA Tour victory of the season, while Scheffler aims to claim his third straight Hero World Challenge title—a feat that would be unprecedented in the tournament's modern history.
Presidents Cup Implications
As the 2026 Presidents Cup approaches just nine months away, Team USA captain Brandt Snedeker will be watching closely. Both Straka (representing Austria in international competitions) and Scheffler (Team USA's most dominant force) offer insights into the form of elite golfers as they prepare for their respective team selections at Medinah Country Club.
Tournament Details
- Event: 2025 Hero World Challenge
- Location: Albany Golf Club, Nassau, Bahamas
- Defending Champion: Scottie Scheffler
- Prize Fund: $5 Million
- Format: 20-man invitational, no cut
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