Vince Whaley fired a career-low 7-under-par 63 on Saturday to share the lead with Maverick McNealy at The RSM Classic after three rounds of play. Whaley, who started the day in a tie for 9th, vaulted eight spots to the top, reaching a total of 14-under 198.
McNealy, who had shared the lead after the first round, posted a 4-under 66, keeping him in a tie with Whaley for the lead at the Seaside Course at Sea Island Golf Club.
"It's exactly where I want to be," McNealy said, expressing his excitement about the strong golf that has put him in contention. Patrick Fishburn, the second-round leader, dropped to a tie for third at 12-under after a 3rd-round 69, alongside Daniel Berger, Michael Thorbjornsen, and Mackenzie Hughes, the 2016 winner of this event. Hughes, who was runner-up last year, shot a 5-under 65 to join the group at 12-under.
Whaley's impressive bogey-free round included birdies on Nos. 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 15, and 18. His solid performance brought him his first-ever lead or co-lead after any round in his 110th PGA Tour start.
McNealy, who started with bogeys on Nos. 2 and 4, responded with birdies on Nos. 3, 6, 8, 13, 15, and 17. Both players are in search of their first PGA Tour victory, with McNealy having finished as a runner-up twice in his 141 starts.
The RSM Classic, the final tournament of the FedExCup Fall season, offers a chance for players to break into the top 125 in the standings to secure full status for 2025. Whaley, currently ranked 113th, would jump to No. 64 with a win, while McNealy would rise to No. 51.
Meanwhile, defending champion Ludvig Åberg, tied for 42nd at 4-under after a 71, is looking to defend his title but faces an uphill battle after a slower start.
ADD A COMMENT :