Rocket Classic Round 3: Potgieter Leads Heading into Final Day
Rocket Classic Round 3 brought new wind and new drama on Saturday. Conditions shifted as breezes came from a different direction. Scoring dropped compared to the fireworks of the first two days. No course records this time—just steady, solid golf.
Round of the Day: Philips and Gotterup Post 65s
The lowest score on Saturday was 7-under 65. That came from Chandler Phillips and Chris Gotterup. Each had eight birdies and one bogey. Surprisingly, both struggled on the par 5s. Gotterup even bogeyed one. Still, they topped the day’s scoring sheet.
Morning Advantage Pays Off
Early starters enjoyed better conditions. Many posted red numbers.
- Davis Thompson and Cameron Champ shot 66s.
- Peter Malnati, Matthew Riedle, Michael Kim, and Patrick Cantlay all carded 67s.
Collin Morikawa Slips Slightly
Collin Morikawa began the day three shots back. He made a run, reaching co-leader status after 11 holes. But the birdies dried up. He made one more coming in and gave two back with bogeys. His 68 dropped him to T10, two spots lower than Friday. He now trails by four. It shows how much birdies matter this week.
Potgieter Leads Rocket Classic with Big Saturday Charge
Potgieter leads Rocket Classic after a brilliant 7-under 65. The 20-year-old South African caught fire with five straight birdies and took control of the leaderboard. He now holds a two-shot lead going into Sunday.
“Being in contention is great,” Potgieter said. “We’re looking forward to tomorrow… hit a few more fairways and greens, and if the putter stays hot, it will be good.”
Record-Setters Face Off Sunday
Jake Knapp, who broke the course record on Friday, stayed hot. He shot 66 in Round 3. His only mistake came at the 234-yard par 3, where he missed long and settled for bogey. But he answered right away with a birdie at 12. Then he closed strong—birdies on 16, 17, and 18. Jake Knapp broke the course record of Potgieter in Round 2. Sunday will see them go head-to-head for the title in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
He now joins a stacked chase pack heading into Sunday.
Tight at the Top: 12 Players Within 4 Shots
Knapp shares second at -17 with:
- Andrew Putnam
- Chris Kirk
- Max Greyserman
- Mark Hubbard
At -16, we have:
- Our pick, Thriston Lawrence
- Michael Thorbjornsen
- Jackson Suber
Nicolai Højgaard and Harry Hall—also our picks—are tied with Morikawa at -15. That makes 12 players within four shots. Sunday could bring anything.
What to Expect on Sunday
The final round promises low scoring. Winds return to a normal direction. Conditions will favor birdies again. Players will go aggressive. Mistakes, though, will cost dearly.
The name of the game? Go low. Avoid bogeys. Stay sharp.
Will we see a third course record this week? It’s possible. It’s the Rocket Classic Round 3 storyline heading into Sunday’s finale.
Video Highlights
Rocket Classic Round 3
