Rocket Classic: Davis Riley finishes strong to take one-shot lead into final day at Detroit Golf Club | Golf News
Davis Riley shot a seven-under 63 to reach 15 under on Saturday and take a one-shot lead going into the final round at the Rocket Classic in Detroit.
Riley closed with consecutive birdies, making a 54-foot putt followed by a 10-footer to pull into a first-place tie with Michael Brennan.
Brennan had a strong round with seven birdies, but missed a nine-foot putt to bogey 18 and lost his share of the lead.
Rasmus Hojgaard, Chris Kirk, Rickie Fowler, and Cameron Young sit three shots back. Xander Schauffele is in a group another stroke back going into the final round on Sunday.
Riley is aiming for his third career win and first since the 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge – and to get into the postseason. He has missed 10 cuts, including last week’s 3M Open, and is No 146 in the FedEx Cup standings.
The Rocket Classic and next week’s Wyndham Championship are the last two tournaments left before the top 70 advance to playoffs.
Riley had an opportunity to win the season-opening Sony Open as the third-round leader before closing with a 71 and falling into a tie for sixth.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs,” he said. “I’m just excited that I’ve started to put the things together and have a chance.
Hojgaard became the third player in as many days to match the course record with a 61, giving him the lead before Riley’s birdies put him ahead. First-round leader Peter Malnati opened with a 61 before plummeting to 4 under with a 71 and 74.
Hojgaard is vying for his first win on the PGA Tour after missing the cut in his last three starts – and just making it to the weekend at 3 under in Detroit.
Young matched the mark on the second day, taking a share of the lead at the halfway stage but the world No 3 endured a more difficult round on Saturday, carding a 68.
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