Three-Way Battle Heats Up at the Australian PGA: Scott Refuses to Back Down
The tension is rising at the Royal Queensland Golf Club, where the Australian PGA Championship has turned into a thrilling three-way showdown. With multiple contenders eyeing victory, the leaderboard is packed – and the race for the season’s first DP World Tour crown is anything but predictable.
LIV Golf’s Adri Arnaus Puig delivered a masterclass in precision, sinking six birdies in a flawless round of 65 to reach 13-under for the week. Meanwhile, Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia countered with a gritty 66, mixing seven birdies with two bogeys, both men chasing what could be their breakthrough win on the DP World Tour. But here's where it gets intriguing — both are untested when it comes to leading a big event heading into Sunday.
“I kept things solid off the tee and hit almost every green, which is key on this course,” explained Gouveia, who looked surprisingly composed despite the pressure. “I’ve never been out front going into the final round, so it’s uncharted territory for me. I’m happy and really looking forward to seeing how it unfolds.”
Joining the pair at the top is Australia’s own Anthony Quayle, whose confidence seems to have grown with Tiger Woods’ legendary former caddie, Steve Williams, guiding him around the course. Quayle birdied the 15th and 17th to recover from a single bogey at 14 and remain firmly in contention after firing a round of 67.
“Steve and I set a goal to land in the final group for Sunday,” Quayle said, visibly fired up after signing his scorecard. “That’s where I want to be — feeling the nerves, taking on the pressure, and hitting big shots when it matters most. Tomorrow’s going to be exciting.”
Meanwhile, Min Woo Lee, fresh off his first PGA Tour victory at the Houston Open and defending his 2023 Australian PGA title, sits just one shot behind. New Zealander Kazuma Kobori, who led overnight, joins him at 12-under, ready to make a late push.
But don’t count out veteran Adam Scott just yet. The two-time champion put on a thrilling show early in his third round, carding five birdies on the front nine before finishing with a 66. Though bogeys on 14 and 17 dented his card, Scott remains only two shots off the lead. With 11 European Tour titles and 14 PGA Tour victories to his name, he’s hardly new to this kind of pressure — and he’s eager for another Sunday charge.
“It’s tough to complain about a 66,” Scott admitted, flashing his trademark calm. “But if I’m going to win, I’ll need to deliver something special tomorrow. A strong front nine could get me right in it — and from there, it’s all about finishing strong.”
Other Australians Marc Leishman and Daniel Hillier, along with China’s rising star Ding Wenyi, also sit two shots back, making Sunday’s finale a true clash of experience and momentum. Marco Penge, the breakout player who finished runner-up to Rory McIlroy in the European rankings, trails by five and faces an uphill battle to close the gap.
The stage is set for an electrifying conclusion — three continents, three leaders, and one trophy up for grabs. But who has the nerve to finish the job when it counts? Could it be a new champion crowned, or will the veterans steal the spotlight again? Let’s hear it — who are you backing to lift the trophy on Sunday?
