- Planet Golf News
- Posts
- Planet Golf News for Sunday, March 9, 2025
Planet Golf News for Sunday, March 9, 2025
Shane Lowry plummets from top of leaderboard at Arnold Palmer Invitational as Morikawa soars to the top | An amateur playing in his first PGA Tour event has strong shot to win in Puerto Rico | Takeda in two-shot lead after round three at China LPGA
| OWGR | FedExCup Points | TUGR | Subscribe |
Sunday, March 9, 2025
PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

Marie Birdie is a clothing brand dedicated to providing young women with the sense of empowerment and individuality. Now available at select PGA Tour Superstores. NOW OPEN the Marie Birdie Store @ 7170 S Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, FL
[ THE LEADERBOARD ]
Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes
Good Morning,
Another weekend in the golf world, another dose of drama, heartbreak, and, of course, some bizarre moments that only golf can deliver.
Let’s start with Collin Morikawa, who is suddenly playing like that Collin Morikawa again. At the Arnold Palmer Invitational, he strutted his way around Bay Hill with a clean, no-sweat 67 to take the 54-hole lead. With only four missed fairways and greens combined, it was like he unlocked a cheat code while everyone else scrambled to figure out how to hit a green. Meanwhile, Shane Lowry, who started the day on top, had the type of round that makes you question why you even play this game—carding a miserable 76 and dropping out of serious contention. The final round promises some fireworks, but if Morikawa keeps playing like this, the only thing standing between him and his first win since 2023 might be the golf gods deciding to toy with him.
Over in Puerto Rico, amateur Kieron van Wyk is out here trying to make history. Playing in his first-ever PGA Tour event, he shot a scorching 65 to sit just one shot back of Karl Vilips heading into Sunday. If he pulls it off, he’ll be only the second amateur to win on Tour in over 30 years. No pressure, kid. Meanwhile, Vilips, battling a stomach bug, is somehow still in the lead. Maybe the secret to winning is playing through discomfort—ask Tiger at the 2008 U.S. Open.
On the LPGA side, 21-year-old Japanese rookie Rio Takeda has taken control of the Blue Bay LPGA in China. She has put together three straight rounds of 69, leading by two heading into the final round. While she’s keeping it steady, some big names like Minjee Lee are lurking. Lee, by the way, gave some credit to her younger brother, Min Woo Lee, for inspiring her two eagles. Hopefully, he inspired her to make a couple more on Sunday.
Meanwhile, at LIV Golf Hong Kong, Peter Uihlein, Sergio Garcia, and Paul Casey are all tied at the top. The highlight of the day, however, belonged to Mito Pereira, who drained a hole-in-one—the 10th in LIV Golf history. And somewhere near the bottom of the leaderboard is Dustin Johnson, who’s currently playing like he just realized his $100 million contract doesn’t require good scores. Fans are not amused.
Elsewhere, Brian Harman pulled off a ridiculous 177-yard eagle at Bay Hill, Andrew Novak—literally the last player to get into the Arnold Palmer field—decided to make some noise, and Phil Mickelson is trying to make LIV Golf history with his best finish yet. Oh, and Jason Day is bracing for another round of scrutiny from Augusta National about his apparel. Apparently, his fashion sense is just a little too bold for the Masters.
As the weekend wraps up, Morikawa is trying to end his winless streak, an amateur could steal a PGA Tour event, and several tournaments across the world are setting up thrilling finishes. Get ready for a wild Sunday, folks.
Today’s Top Golf News
Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend
Arnold Palmer Invitational - PGA Tour - Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge - Orlando, FL
The third round of the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida, saw a significant shift in the leaderboard. Collin Morikawa emerged as the new leader, carding an impressive 5-under-par 67 to reach a total of 10-under-par for the tournament. His stellar performance, which included six birdies and only one bogey, propelled him to a one-shot lead over Russell Henley, who matched Morikawa's 67 for the day.
Corey Conners of Canada holds the third position at 8-under-par, followed closely by Australia's Jason Day at 7-under-par. Michael Kim made a remarkable leap up the leaderboard, climbing 14 spots to tie for fifth place with Tony Finau at 5-under-par.
The day proved challenging for some previous frontrunners. Shane Lowry, who began the round as the leader, struggled with a 4-over-par 76, dropping him into a tie for seventh place at 4-under-par. Wyndham Clark, who was near the top of the leaderboard, also faltered with a 76, falling to a tie for 13th place.
Other notable players in contention include Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, both within striking distance of the lead. At the other end of the spectrum, Xander Schauffele finds himself in last place, 51st, after posting a 3-over-par 75.
As the tournament heads into its final round, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion with several top players vying for the prestigious Arnold Palmer Invitational title.
Puerto Rico Open - PGA Tour - Grand Reserve Country Club - Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
Karl Vilips leads the 2025 Puerto Rico Open after the third round with a score of 18-under-par, following a solid 66 (-6) round. He holds a one-shot advantage over Joseph Bramlett and amateur Kieron Van Wyk, who are tied for second at 17-under. Bramlett surged up the leaderboard with an impressive 64 (-8), while Van Wyk posted a strong 65 (-7). Austin Cook is in fourth place at 16-under, three shots off the lead, after carding a 69 (-3). A group of players, including Chad Ramey, Steven Fisk, Norman Xiong, and William Mouw, are tied for fifth at 15-under.
The third round featured standout performances, with several players making significant moves. Bramlett's eight-under round was one of the day's highlights, while Fisk recorded five birdies in his last six holes to stay in contention. The competition remains tight heading into the final round at the Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.
Blue Bay LPGA - Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course - Hainan Island, China
After the third round of the Blue Bay LPGA at the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on Hainan Island, China, Japan's Rio Takeda leads by two strokes with a nine-under-par total of 207. Takeda shot her third consecutive 69, carding five birdies and two bogeys, and is aiming for her second LPGA victory following her win at the Toto Japan Classic last year. Tied for second at seven under are Gigi Stoll, Auston Kim, and Cassie Porter. Stoll recovered from a double-bogey and bogey mid-round to finish with a 68, while Kim and Porter shot 70 and 72, respectively.
Four players, including Minjee Lee and Jeeno Thitikul, are tied at six under. Lee delivered an impressive round of 68 with eagles on holes eight and 15, moving into contention. Thitikul also posted a 68 to stay in the hunt. Local favorite Ruoning Yin struggled with a 71 and is ten shots off the lead. South Africa’s Paula Reto sits in a tie for 20th at two under after an up-and-down round that featured an eagle on the third hole. With one round remaining, Takeda holds the advantage but faces strong competition from a tightly packed leaderboard.
Cologuard Classic - PGA Tour Champions - La Paloma Country Club - Tucson, AZ
Greg Chalmers is currently leading the Cologuard Classic with a score of 11-under par after carding a 4-under 67 in the second round, holding a one-stroke advantage over Stewart Cink and a two-stroke lead over Alex Cejka and Ernie Els. Chalmers, who is seeking his first win on the PGA TOUR Champions, previously finished in third place in his only other appearance in the last group of the final round. Stewart Cink, in second place, recorded six birdies and two bogeys, while Alex Cejka achieved the lowest round of the day at 8-under 63, showcasing a competitive atmosphere as the tournament approaches its final round.
LIV Golf Hong Kong - LIV - Hong Kong Golf Club - Fanling, Hong Kong
After the second round of the LIV Golf Hong Kong event at the Hong Kong Golf Club, Peter Uihlein, Sergio Garcia, and Paul Casey are tied for the individual lead at 11-under-par. Uihlein delivered a rollercoaster performance with an eagle, eight birdies, and four bogeys en route to a 64, while Garcia and Casey played flawless rounds, scoring 64 and 66 respectively. They hold a three-shot advantage over their closest competitors, which include Mito Pereira, Phil Mickelson, and Sebastián Muñoz at 8-under.
Pereira made headlines with a hole-in-one on the par-3 second hole, marking the 10th ace in LIV Golf history. Mickelson remains in contention for his first LIV Golf win after a solid round featuring seven birdies and two bogeys. Bryson DeChambeau also impressed by hitting all 14 fairways during his round, joining Jon Rahm and others in a tie for seventh place at 7-under.
In the team competition, Torque GC surged to the top of the leaderboard at 25-under-par, thanks to strong performances from Pereira (64) and Muñoz (67). They lead by two strokes over Legion XIII and HyFlyers GC, who are tied for second at 23-under. Crushers GC sits fifth at 20-under. Sunday's final round promises an exciting finish as both individual and team titles remain up for grabs.
Joburg Open - DP World Tour - Houghton Golf Club - Johannesburg, South Africa
After the third round of the Joburg Open at Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg, Shaun Norris leads the tournament with a total score of 196 (-14), following a third-round 67. He holds a four-shot advantage over Jacques Kruyswijk and Adrien Saddier, who are tied for second place at 200 (-10). Nicolai von Dellingshausen sits in fourth at 201 (-9). A group of seven players, including Robin Williams and Daniel van Tonder, are tied for fifth at 202 (-8), showcasing strong performances with some shooting low rounds, such as Williams' 64. The competition remains tight among the top contenders heading into the final round.
Astara Chile Classic pres. by Scotiabank - Korn Ferry Tour - Prince of Wales Country Club - Santiago, Chile
What’s in the Bag (WITB)
Overheard in the Club House
UPCOMING TOURS

Marie Birdie is a female-founded and owned golf and active wear brand for tween and teen girls. Our mission is to inspire, delight, and empower girls to enjoy an active lifestyle while playing golf. Now available at select PGA Tour Superstores.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE