CME Group Tour Championship — Day Three Highlights

Saturday 22 November 2025 — Key moments and takeaways from the third day of the CME Group Tour Championship on the LPGA Tour.

Overview

The penultimate round produced drama and momentum swings as contenders pressed for position heading into the final day. A demanding course setup and firm, fast greens forced precision around the greens, while late-afternoon breezes added another layer of difficulty. The leaderboard tightened as a handful of players made strong moves, setting up an intriguing finish Sunday.

Notable moments

• Late birdie runs: Several players mounted late surges with birdie streaks on the back nine, turning par saves into momentum-building charges. Those clutch putts shifted the leaderboard and increased pressure on the earlier starters.
• Risk-reward strategy: Aggressive play on reachable par-5s and well-executed attacking lines into long par-4s paid off for players willing to take on the pins. Conversely, a few conservative approaches yielded steady rounds that kept contenders within striking distance.
• Short-game heroics: Ups and downs around the greens decided key holes. Scrambles, chips and gimmes under pressure preserved scores and delivered crucial single shots that moved players up the board.
• Weather and conditions: A period of gusty wind late in the day tested shot-making and club selection. Tournament officials maintained a firm pin placement strategy that rewarded accuracy and punished wayward tee shots.

Implications for the final round

With the leaderboard tighter than after day two, Sunday promises a strategic battle between those chasing the lead and the front-runners. Momentum will matter: players who finished strong today will carry confidence into the final 18, while others must rely on conservative, error-free golf to climb.

Looking ahead

Expect aggressive starts from players seeking to seize early advantage, and careful course management from those protecting slim leads. The final day should deliver more birdies, tense approach shots, and dramatic back-nine moments as the LPGA season marches to its conclusion at the CME Group Tour Championship.