Viktor Hovland takes 6-shot lead at Tour Championship, closing in on FedEx Cup title

Viktor Hovland dominates the Tour Championship with a 6-shot lead going into the final round, eyeing an $18 million prize.

Viktor Hovland is experiencing a level of play that he can't recall ever achieving before. Every aspect of his game is coming together at the perfect time. If he can maintain this momentum, he stands to win $18 million and have his name engraved on the prestigious FedEx Cup trophy.

During the Tour Championship, Hovland delivered another exceptional performance with a 4-under 66, allowing him to distance himself from a star-studded field of competitors and establish a commanding six-shot lead heading into the final round at East Lake.

Hovland expressed his appreciation for the illustrious names that have graced the FedEx Cup trophy in the past. He likened the tournament to a sprint, acknowledging the challenge of performing well in the weeks leading up to it. He understands that success in the FedEx Cup requires consistent excellence.

And no one has been more excellent than Hovland.

Just last week, he broke the course record at Olympia Fields with a remarkable 61, surpassing Scottie Scheffler and winning the BMW Championship. Hovland has not let up at East Lake, even in the sweltering heat.

Starting the third round tied with Collin Morikawa, Hovland faced stiff competition from Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Xander Schauffele. However, no one could keep pace, especially after a 90-minute delay due to inclement weather.

Hovland, the second seed starting at 8-under par, now sits at an impressive 20-under.

Schauffele, known for his consistent performances in the Tour Championship, had a solid round of 68, placing him at 14-under. However, he lamented two missed putts on the back nine that could have closed the gap.

Morikawa struggled to find his rhythm and only made his first birdie on the 16th hole, finishing the round with a 73 and trailing by seven shots. Keegan Bradley also shot a 70, needing crucial birdies on the final four holes to stay in contention.

Scheffler and Rahm both carded rounds of 73, leaving them nine shots behind and effectively out of the running for the FedEx Cup.

Despite his significant lead, Hovland is aware that anything can happen in the final round. He vividly remembers last year's tournament when Scheffler squandered a six-shot lead to Rory McIlroy, who rallied with a 66 to win by one stroke.

Schauffele, determined to apply pressure, plans to go all out on the front nine, hoping for a miraculous comeback.

While contenders struggled with mistakes on the front nine, Hovland remained steady, going bogey-free. Bradley experienced a rough patch with three bogeys in four holes, while Scheffler three-putted from 12 feet. Rahm found trouble by driving into the water on the eighth hole.

As the extreme heat persisted, clouds rolled in, leading to a 90-minute delay. Upon resuming play, Hovland sank a 10-foot birdie putt on the 12th hole and followed it up with a 20-footer on the next.

At one point, Hovland held a seven-shot lead, which seemed likely to be the end-of-day margin until he missed a 7-foot birdie putt as darkness fell over East Lake.

Schauffele praised Hovland's exceptional play, noting his relentless work ethic throughout the playoffs. Hovland's performance not only positions him for the $18 million bonus and a five-year exemption on the PGA Tour but also makes him a strong contender for PGA Tour Player of the Year, having previously won the Memorial and a FedEx Cup playoff event.

Reflecting on his performance, Hovland admitted that he has never played this well before, attributing his success to a combination of exceptional ball-striking and improved short game. While he feels he has hit the ball better in the past, this week's performance has been unmatched.

Wyndham Clark, the U.S. Open champion, shot a solid 68 with only one bogey. He finds himself in the same group as Scheffler and Rahm.

McIlroy, starting the day six shots behind, struggled on the front nine with three bogeys and failed to make a birdie in his final seven holes, finishing with a 71 and trailing by 11 shots.

In conclusion, Viktor Hovland's exceptional play has positioned him as the frontrunner in the Tour Championship. With a significant lead heading into the final round, he is on the cusp of a historic victory. However, he remains aware that the final round is unpredictable, and anything can happen. The FedEx Cup title, along with the accompanying $18 million bonus and five-year exemption on the PGA Tour, is within Hovland's grasp. His remarkable performance throughout the season also makes him a strong contender for PGA Tour Player of the Year honors.

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