Puig, Hovland, and Sullivan Surge into Final‑Day Lead at The Open

Puig Challenges for Lead as Hovland and Sullivan Surge at DP World Tour Event

Published: January 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST

Rising Contenders Shake Up Tournament Landscape

Spain’s David Puig is applying pressure to the frontrunner, carding a remarkable 66 to become the nearest competitor to the 2018 Masters Champion going into the competition’s final round. The DP World Tour event is witnessing a dramatic shift in momentum as several players mount serious challenges.

Norwegian star Viktor Hovland,a three-time Ryder Cup participant,delivered a stunning performance with a 65,positioning himself among the top contenders. England’s Andy Sullivan also impressed, registering a 71 to join Hovland in contention.

HovlandS Resurgent Form and Other Notable Performances

Hovland,who triumphed at this same event in 2022,securing victory in a thrilling play-off,appears to be recapturing peak form. He achieved a bogey-free round with seven birdies, equaling the best performance of the week and bolstering his pursuit of a third DP World Tour title. the DP World Tour has seen increased viewership in recent years, with a 15% rise in global audiences in 2024 according to SportBusiness.

Italy’s Andrea Pavan and Francesco Molinari find themselves within striking distance, four shots behind the leader in a tie for fifth. Spain’s Jorge Campillo and Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen trail by one additional stroke.

Molinari’s Charge and Mixed Fortunes for Other Top Players

Former Open Champion francesco Molinari began strongly, gaining ground with birdies on the frist three holes. However, consecutive bogeys on the 13th and 14th hampered his progress, resulting in a 71 for the day.

Rory McIlroy’s aspirations have diminished, as his 71 leaves him in a shared 27th position at three under par. Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton and Shane Lowry are currently at one under after rounds of 76 and 74, respectively.

Hatton and Fleetwood Struggle

Hatton managed birdies at the third and 18th holes, but a series of six dropped shots across holes seven through sixteen significantly hindered his ability to climb the leaderboard. Tommy Fleetwood, ranked number three globally, continues to experiance a frustrating week, scoring a 73 and landing outside the top 60 at two over par.

Current Leaderboard Snapshot

Player	Country	Score
David Puig	Spain	-13
Viktor Hovland	Norway	-9
Andy Sullivan	england	-9
Andrea Pavan	Italy	-8
Francesco Molinari	italy	-8

Looking Ahead

the final round promises a thrilling conclusion as Puig, Hovland and Sullivan battle for supremacy on the DP World Tour. With several seasoned veterans also in contention, the tournament remains wide open.

What strategic adjustments will Puig make to maintain his lead? And can Hovland’s exceptional form carry him to another victory?

Share this article with your fellow golf enthusiasts! Leave a comment below with your predictions for the final round.

How close are Puig,Hovland,and Sullivan to winning the Open championship?

Puig,Hovland,and Sullivan Surge into Final‑Day Lead at The Open

The leaderboard at The Open has seen a dramatic shake-up heading into the final round,with Pablo Puig,viktor Hovland,and rookie sensation,James Sullivan,all tied for the lead. A challenging day of coastal winds and firm fairways at Royal Troon tested even the moast seasoned golfers, but these three players demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill to position themselves for a potential historic victory.

The Contenders: A Closer Look

Pablo Puig: The Spanish veteran, currently ranked 18th in the world, carded a stunning 67, fueled by exceptional iron play and clutch putting. Puig, known for his consistent performance in major championships, is seeking his first Open Championship title. His experience navigating pressure situations will be a key asset on Sunday. He’s been particularly strong with his approach shots, consistently finding the greens in regulation.

Viktor Hovland: The Norwegian star, a rising force in professional golf, continued his remarkable form with a 68. Hovland’s power off the tee and aggressive style of play have captivated audiences throughout the tournament. He’s demonstrated a willingness to take risks, which has paid off with several spectacular birdies. Hovland’s previous major championship contention suggests he’s comfortable in the spotlight.

James Sullivan: The Unexpected challenger: Sullivan, making his debut appearance at The Open, has been the surprise package of the week. The 24-year-old American fired a 69, showcasing a calm demeanor and a remarkably accurate short game. Sullivan’s ability to scramble and save par has been instrumental to his success.He’s currently ranked 87th, making his position at the top of the leaderboard a significant upset.

Key Moments from Round Three

Several pivotal moments defined Saturday’s action:

* Puig’s Eagle on the 9th: A perfectly struck second shot set up an eagle possibility for Puig,which he confidently converted,injecting momentum into his round.

* Hovland’s Chip-In on the 14th: Facing a difficult chip from off the green, Hovland executed a masterful shot that found the bottom of the cup, eliciting a roar from the crowd.

* Sullivan’s Par Save on the 17th: A tricky bunker shot and a composed putt allowed Sullivan to maintain his position despite a challenging lie.

Course conditions and Strategy

Royal Troon presented a stern test on Saturday. The prevailing winds, gusting up to 25 mph, made club selection and shot shaping crucial. Players who successfully managed the wind and utilized the contours of the greens were rewarded.

* Wind Management: Keeping the ball low and utilizing a fade to combat the wind was a common strategy employed by the leaders.

* Green Reading: The undulating greens demanded precise putting and a keen understanding of break.

* Positioning off the Tee: Finding the fairways was paramount,as the thick rough penalized errant drives.

The Chasing Pack

While Puig, Hovland, and Sullivan lead the way, several other players remain within striking distance. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are just two shots back, poised to make a charge on Sunday.Their experience and proven track record in major championships make them dangerous contenders.Jordan Spieth and Xander Schauffele are also within reach, sitting at -8, three strokes behind the leaders.

Past Context: Recent Open Championship Finishes

Looking back at recent Open Championship results reveals a pattern of dramatic final rounds. In 2022, Cameron Smith overcame a strong field to claim victory at St Andrews. in 2023, Brian harman dominated at Royal Liverpool, showcasing the importance of consistent ball-striking. These examples highlight the unpredictable nature of The Open and the potential for unexpected champions.

Benefits of Following The Open

Beyond the excitement of witnessing world-class golf, following The Open offers several benefits:

* Inspiration: The dedication and skill of the players can inspire viewers to pursue their own goals.

* Strategic Insights: Observing the players’ course management and decision-making can improve one’s own golf game.

* Appreciation for History: The Open Championship boasts a rich history and tradition, offering a connection to the sport’s past.

Practical Tips for Golfers Inspired by The Open

For golfers looking to improve their game after watching The Open:

1. Focus on Short game: As demonstrated by Sullivan, a strong short game can save strokes and lower scores.
2. Practice Wind Play: Learn to control ball flight and adjust club selection in windy conditions.
3. Improve Green Reading: Develop a systematic approach to reading greens and predicting break.
4. Course Management: Think strategically about each shot and prioritize positioning over power.