Atlanta, August 24, 2025
News Summary
In an exhilarating turn of events at the Tour Championship, Tommy Fleetwood has tied Patrick Cantlay for the lead at 16 under, while Russell Henley trails just two strokes behind. Fleetwood showcased an impressive performance with four consecutive birdies, although a double-bogey at the 15th posed a momentary challenge. Both players are vying for significant bonuses and potential Ryder Cup spots, elevating the stakes for the final round. Golf fans eagerly anticipate a thrilling showdown as they prepare for intense competition on Sunday.
Atlanta — Fleetwood Ties for Lead, Sets Up Dramatic Tour Championship Finale
Late‑day charge puts the tournament on a knife edge
The Tour Championship turned into a proper end‑of‑season thriller as Tommy Fleetwood heads into the final round tied for the lead with Patrick Cantlay at 16 under. Both players sit two strokes clear of Russell Henley, who holds third at 14 under. It’s the kind of finish that gets golf fans buzzing and Ryder Cup selectors watching every swing.
Fleetwood’s roller‑coaster day
Fleetwood put together a hot start on Saturday, rattling off four straight birdies on the front nine that pushed him into serious contention. A nasty tee shot into water on the par‑three 15th resulted in a double‑bogey, but he responded with birdies at 16 and 17 to steady the ship and sign for a 67, three under par for the day. The run of form keeps him in the hunt for his first PGA Tour title, building on a career that already boasts 44 top‑10s on the PGA Tour and seven wins on the DP World Tour.
Big money, big stakes
Beyond the personal trophy chase, what’s at stake is huge. The tournament’s finishing order will decide major bonuses and has ripple effects into team selections for upcoming events. Fleetwood’s run underlines how momentum can flip in a single round at this level.
Ryder Cup subplot heating up
The Ryder Cup storyline is thick in the mix. Cantlay now finds himself needing a captain’s pick after slipping from 5th to 23rd in the rankings — a fall that hands added pressure to his final round. Across the leaderboard, players are aware that a strong showing this week could sway captain decisions.
Who else to watch
- Keegan Bradley climbed to 13 under courtesy of a low round of 63 and will be a factor on Sunday.
- Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, lurks at 12 under after a 66 despite early bogeys, always a threat to make a late surge.
- Robert MacIntyre flirted with double digits behind the leaders, getting to 11 under before a double‑bogey at 15 dropped him back to eight under.
- Rory McIlroy finished at six under after a bogey on the closing hole and has already secured his Ryder Cup spot, taking some pressure off his Sunday.
- Shane Lowry is nine under but cannot change his ranking at this event, which takes some of the competitive edge off his final round.
European hopefuls jostling for attention
Several European players are trying to force their way onto the captain’s radar this week. Scotland’s contenders and others want to show form and temperament under pressure, with key names like Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland hoping to climb from lower scores and make a late case for selection.
How the final round plays out
Expect fireworks. Fleetwood and Cantlay are both in the pocket to win, with Henley shadowing them closely. A clean front nine and calm nerves on the par‑threes will be priceless. Coverage begins on Sunday at 18:30 BST, so fans should get ready for a tense evening of golf.
FAQ
Who is leading the Tour Championship going into the final round?
Tommy Fleetwood and Patrick Cantlay are tied for the lead at 16 under.
How far ahead are the leaders?
They are two strokes clear of Russell Henley, who is at 14 under.
How did Tommy Fleetwood play on Saturday?
Fleetwood eagled into contention with four birdies in a row on the front nine, suffered a double‑bogey at the par‑three 15th after a tee shot found water, but closed with birdies on 16 and 17 to finish with a 67.
What are the Ryder Cup implications?
Several players can still influence captain selections with strong play this week. Cantlay in particular now needs a captain’s pick after slipping down the rankings.
When does the final round start for viewers?
Live coverage begins on Sunday at 18:30 BST.
Quick Reference Table — Leaderboard Snapshot
| Player | Score | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tommy Fleetwood | 16 under | Tied 1st | Hot start, double-bogey on 15, strong finish with birdies on 16 & 17 |
| Patrick Cantlay | 16 under | Tied 1st | Needs a captain’s pick for Ryder Cup after ranking slide |
| Russell Henley | 14 under | 3rd | Two strokes off the lead, in contention |
| Keegan Bradley | 13 under | 4th | Fired a 63 to climb up the leaderboard |
| Scottie Scheffler | 12 under | 5th | Produced a 66 despite early wobble |
| Robert MacIntyre | 8 under | Lower | Reached 11 under earlier, double-bogey at 15 dropped him back |
| Rory McIlroy | 6 under | Lower | Finished with a bogey but already assured of Ryder Cup place |
Final thought: with Fleetwood and Cantlay neck and neck and only a couple of shots separating the top five, Sunday promises tension, drama and the kind of shotmaking that decides careers. Keep an eye on the par‑threes and the final three holes — that’s where champions are often made or broken.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Big Names and Drama Set for Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black
Chula Vista to Host Senior Women’s Open in 2025
Trump to Attend Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black
LPGA Tour Unveils Ambitious Tournament Schedule
The Who Announces Final North American Farewell Tour Stop in Boston
Drama at Mississaugua: English Rising Star Lottie Woad Just Misses Cut
Lottie Woad Turns Professional After Breakthrough at Evian Championship
Cameron Young’s Stellar Performance Boosts Ryder Cup Hopes
Evanston Golf Course Damaged by Stolen Golf Carts
Fall Adventures for Families on Cape Cod
Additional Resources
- BBC Sport: Atlanta — Fleetwood Ties for Lead
- Wikipedia: Tour Championship (golf)
- PGA Tour Image
- Google Search: Tommy Fleetwood
- The Mirror: Tommy Fleetwood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
