Planet Golf News for Sunday, March 2, 2025

Jake Knapp takes one-shot lead into final round at Cognizant | Lydia Ko Takes Third-Round Lead in Singapore, Charley Hull is One Stroke Behind | Ryan Blaum leads 118 Visa Argentina Open

Sunday, March 2, 2025

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Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Jake Knapp must be feeling like he’s on a rollercoaster that won’t stop—except he’s the one trying to keep it on the tracks. After kicking off the Cognizant Classic with a jaw-dropping 59, he’s somehow managed to cling to a one-shot lead heading into the final round. But don’t let that lead fool you—there are about 23 other players breathing down his neck, and the Bear Trap at PGA National is out for blood. Even Michael Kim, one stroke back, knows it’s anyone’s game at this point, especially when a par-3 hole can single-handedly ruin a tournament. Knapp is aiming for a wire-to-wire win, a feat only one other player has achieved in the tournament’s 53-year history. No pressure, right?

Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler—typically known for his laid-back attitude—got feisty with a fan who thought he had some wisdom to share. There’s nothing quite like missing a birdie putt and having a guy in cargo shorts and flip-flops offer his unsolicited advice. But despite the distraction, Fowler sits at 13-under, still in contention and potentially setting himself up for a much-needed victory. That’d be a solid way to bounce back after getting snubbed for an invite to the Arnold Palmer Invitational. His response? “Play better.” Hard to argue with that logic.

Over in Singapore, Lydia Ko is leading the HSBC Women’s World Championship, a tournament that has somehow eluded her despite her 22 career victories. She fired a 68 to get to 10-under, but Charley Hull—who, in true warrior fashion, managed to shoot the same score despite battling the flu—is just one shot back. Hull even squeezed in a personal-best 5K run between rounds because, sure, why not push your body to the absolute limit? Meanwhile, Jeeno Thitikul quietly fired the lowest round of the day (66) to sit three back, ready to pounce if the leaders falter.

Back in the U.S., the USGA has a new president-elect, Kevin Hammer, who will take over in 2026. His golf credentials are solid, but let’s be real—his last name alone makes him sound like a guy you don’t want to mess with in a rules dispute. Across the Korn Ferry Tour, Ryan Blaum is hoping to finally get his first win at the 118 Visa Argentina Open, while over in South Africa, Laurie Canter and Dylan Naidoo are deadlocked at the top of the Investec SA Open Championship, both dealing with brutal winds and an enthusiastic home crowd.

In other news, Keegan Bradley’s viral Ryder Cup speech has European players raising their eyebrows, Tiger Woods’ Sun Day Red apparel line is making waves, and Luke Clanton cried happy tears after securing his PGA Tour card. And if you’re an amateur golfer wondering why your game isn’t improving, you might want to check your equipment. Apparently, having five clubs that all hit the same distance isn’t a pro move.

Sunday is shaping up to be an electric day of golf, with tight leaderboards, high stakes, and the potential for absolute chaos. Jake Knapp might be leading, but the golf gods aren’t handing him the trophy just yet.

Today’s Top Golf News 

Today’s Feature Golf Reads

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weeken

Jake Knapp takes one-shot lead into final round at Cognizant

Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches - PGA Tour - PGA National Resort & Spa - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Jake Knapp continues to lead the tournament after the third round, maintaining his position from the previous two days. He shot a 3-under-par 68 on Saturday, bringing his total to 16-under-par for the tournament. Knapp, who opened with a remarkable 59 in the first round, now holds a one-shot lead going into the final round.

Michael Kim is in second place, just one stroke behind Knapp at 15-under-par. Kim also had a strong showing in the third round, carding a 4-under 67.

There’s a three-way tie for third place at 14-under-par, featuring Russell Henley, Ben Griffin, and Doug Ghim. Both Henley and Griffin shot impressive 5-under 66s in the third round, while Ghim posted a 3-under 68.

Rickie Fowler and Taylor Montgomery share the sixth position at 13-under-par, both having shot 68s in the third round. The leaderboard remains tight, with several players within striking distance of the lead.

The final round promises to be highly competitive as the golfers vie for the $9.2 million purse and 500 FedEx Cup points at stake. This corrected information accurately reflects the current state of the 2025 Cognizant Classic after the third round, as reported in the most recent search results.

"It's exciting": Lydia Ko eager to face Charley Hull and Jeeno Thitikul in the hunt for 23rd LPGA Tour title

HSBC Women’s World Championship - LPGA - Sentosa Golf Club - Singapore, Singapore

Lydia Ko has taken the lead after the third round of the HSBC Women's World Championship at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. The Olympic champion from New Zealand shot a four-under-par 68 to move to the top of the leaderboard with a three-day total of 10-under-par 206. Ko holds a one-shot advantage over England's Charley Hull, who also carded a 68 despite battling flu symptoms.

Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul made a significant move up the leaderboard, posting the day's lowest score of 66 to climb into third place, three strokes behind Ko. South Korea's Kim A-lim, who led after the first two rounds, struggled with a 73 and dropped into a tie for fourth place, four shots off the lead.

Defending champion Hannah Green of Australia improved her position with a 67, moving up 16 places on the leaderboard to sit five strokes behind the leader. The tournament, which is the second stop of the LPGA Asian swing, features a strong field with nine of the top 10 players in the world ranking competing.

Ko, making her 11th appearance at this event, is looking to secure her first victory here after finishing second in 2015. She expressed excitement about being in the final group and hopes to finally claim the title. Hull, despite her illness, is ready for a showdown with Ko in the final round, praising her competitor's personality and looking forward to an enjoyable round of golf.

With one round remaining, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the HSBC Women's World Championship, as the world's top female golfers vie for victory on the Tanjong course at Sentosa Golf Club.

Investec SA Open Championship - DP World Tour - Durban CC - Durban, South Africa

The third round of the Investec SA Open Championship at Durban Country Club saw South Africa's Dylan Naidoo and England's Laurie Canter emerge as co-leaders, both sitting at 14 under par. Naidoo, chasing his maiden DP World Tour victory, carded a 71 in challenging windy conditions, while Canter posted a solid 68.

The day was marked by difficult playing conditions, with swirling winds testing the golfers' skills and patience. Naidoo described the experience as "outrageous," likening the atmosphere to that surrounding Tiger Woods, with crowds five deep following his play. He expressed readiness for the final round's challenges.

Canter, who won the South African Amateur in 2010, overcame a double-bogey start to climb back into contention. He praised the course's setup in windy conditions, calling it "a great test" and "so much fun to play."

One shot behind the leaders is England's Marco Penge at 13 under par. A group including former SA Open champion Branden Grace, Darren Fichardt, and amateur Christiaan Maas are tied for fourth at 12 under par.

The tournament has seen strong local support, with large crowds cheering on the South African players. The challenging conditions have showcased the recent changes made to the venerable Durban Country Club course, emphasizing its strengths and providing a true test of golf.

As the championship heads into its final round, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion with a mix of experienced players and rising talents vying for the title. The Investec SA Open, one of the oldest national opens in golf, continues to deliver high-quality competition and drama on the DP World Tour.

118 Visa Argentina Open pres. by Marco - Korn Ferry Tour - Jockey Club - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ryan Blaum leads the 118 Visa Argentina Open presented by Macro after the third round with a score of 15-under par. Blaum holds a one-stroke advantage over his nearest competitors heading into the final round of the tournament. His performance has been notable, as he matched his career-low round with an 8-under 62 earlier in the tournament. Blaum is seeking his first career Korn Ferry Tour victory in what is his 156th start on the tour.

Upcoming: Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

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UPCOMING TOURS

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