2025 Texas Open Round 3 Recap: Harman Maintains Lead Amid Challenging Conditions
The 2025 Texas Open at TPC San Antonio presented a stark shift in conditions on Saturday, with changing winds complicating play for the tournament field. After holding a significant four-stroke lead entering the round, Brian Harman faced early setbacks but ultimately preserved his advantage heading into the final day.
Saturday’s Challenges and Performance
Brian Harman’s day began in difficult fashion as he dropped two strokes in the first four holes. Despite these early missteps, he managed to regroup on the back nine, securing birdies at both the 14th and 17th holes, finishing the day with an even-par round of 72. Harman’s score placed him at 12 under for the tournament, three strokes ahead of his nearest competitor, Andrew Novak, who ended the day at 9 under following a remarkable back nine showcasing five birdies.
Emerging Competitors
- 2. Andrew Novak (-9) – Novak’s impressive finish included a notable birdie after a fortunate bounce off the grandstand on the par-3 16th.
- 3. Tom Hoge (-8) – Hoge delivered the best round of the day with a bogey-free 68, climbing 19 spots on the leaderboard.
- 4. Keith Mitchell (-7) – Mitchell continues to stay in contention, though his form waned slightly during the round, finishing with a 73.
While under-par scores offered many players an opportunity to rise in the standings, several prominent names struggled. Patrick Cantlay, who began the day tied for sixth at 6 under, fell to T10 after carding a 2-over 74. Jordan Spieth also experienced difficulties, finishing his round at 3 under with a 73 that saw him hit only seven greens in regulation.
Noteworthy Highlights
Harman’s proficiency around the greens proved pivotal, as he successfully scrambled nine times out of eleven challenging situations. His ability to navigate the tricky conditions showcased the quality of his short game. Meanwhile, Novak’s humorous antics added entertainment to the day, notably when he aimed his second shot at a “kinda fat guy” behind the green on the par-5 14th, ultimately leading to a birdie despite an awkward tee shot.
Betting Odds and Final Round Outlook
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, current odds are as follows:
- Brian Harman (-165)
- Andrew Novak (4-1)
- Tom Hoge (9-1)
- Keith Mitchell (14-1)
Forecasts suggest cooler temperatures for Sunday, with lighter winds expected, potentially setting the stage for lower scores. While Harman carries a three-shot lead, it remains feasible for a challenger to emerge—especially if they can produce a round in the mid-60s.
Ultimately, while Tom Hoge’s recent performances have been solid with back-to-back 68s, historical patterns suggest a struggle for Mitchell to maintain his early-week momentum. The final round promises to be an intriguing conclusion to a tightly contested tournament.