As the sun rises over The Club at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands, Texas, the excitement is palpable for the final round of the 2025 Chevron Championship, the first major of the LPGA season. Japanese golfer Mao Saigo, 23, is tied for the lead with South Korea's Ryu Hae-ran after both players showcased their skills in the penultimate round. Saigo shot a solid 3-under 69 on Saturday, while Ryu impressed with a 4-under 68, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
With both players sitting at 9-under par, they will be joined in the final group by American Lindy Duncan, who is just one stroke behind at 8-under after carding a 70 on Saturday. The final round promises to be a nail-biter as these three competitors vie for the coveted title.
Saigo, who is looking for her first LPGA victory, managed to secure her place at the top of the leaderboard with four birdies against just one bogey. Notably, she chipped in for birdies on both the par-5 13th and the par-4 6th holes. "It was a tough day with difficult course conditions and not many easy birdies," Saigo remarked after her round. "Two were chip-in birdies, so I was lucky. I want to stay focused with each shot to win the championship." Her determination is evident, especially as she was named the 2024 LPGA Rookie of the Year.
Ryu, who is also in search of her first major title, demonstrated her prowess with a strong performance that included five birdies in just six holes during the third round. "Today was another good day this week," Ryu said. "Yesterday, I learned golf is tough. Today, I was just trying for good spots for easy putts, and I wanted to try to make some birdies. This course is too challenging for golfers, but I made four (straight) birdies there. Just amazing." Ryu’s experience as the 2023 LPGA Rookie of the Year adds to the narrative as she steps into the final round with a shot at history.
The final round is set to kick off at 11:36 a.m. ET, and the excitement is not just limited to the leaders. Veteran Lexi Thompson, a two-time major champion, is also in contention, sitting at 6-under after a 70 on Saturday. Thompson, who announced her semi-retirement last year, is aiming for another moment of glory at the very tournament where she first made headlines as a 19-year-old champion back in 2014. "It feels like history repeating itself," Thompson stated, as she prepares to chase down the leaders.
In addition to the top contenders, the final round will also feature a host of talented players looking to make their mark. Among them are Ariya Jutanugarn, who has 12 LPGA wins and two majors under her belt, and is currently tied for sixth at 6-under. Jutanugarn's journey has been challenging, having not won on tour in four years, but she remains a formidable presence on the leaderboard.
As the final round unfolds, fans will be keenly watching the live coverage on NBC, which will begin at 3 p.m. ET, while exclusive early coverage will be available on Peacock from 2-3 p.m. ET. For those looking to follow the action online, PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide streaming coverage starting at 8:30 a.m. ET.
The Chevron Championship, having transitioned from its long-standing home at Mission Hills in California to Texas, continues to draw attention as the first major of the year. However, some have raised questions about the tournament's status as a premier event in the women’s golf calendar. As noted by Golfweek’s Beth Ann Nichols, the tournament is still finding its footing, but the excitement of the competition remains undiminished.
With the leaderboard tight and the stakes high, the final round of the Chevron Championship is set to deliver drama and excitement. Players like Saigo and Ryu are not just competing for a trophy; they are also chasing the dreams that have driven them throughout their careers. As the clock ticks down to the first tee time, fans are left to wonder: who will emerge victorious?
In the past, the Chevron Championship has seen its share of memorable moments and historic wins. The last five winners include notable names such as Mirim Lee, Patty Tavatanakit, and Nelly Korda, who claimed the title in 2024. With such a rich history, the anticipation for this year's champion is palpable.
As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on the trio of Saigo, Ryu, and Duncan, each with their own story and motivation. Whether it’s Saigo’s quest for her first LPGA title, Ryu’s aim for her first major victory, or Duncan’s desire to claim her place among the best, the competition is fierce. Fans can expect nothing less than an exhilarating showdown as these talented golfers battle it out for glory.
The Chevron Championship is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of women’s golf, showcasing the talent and determination of its players. With the final round looming, the excitement is building, and the world is ready to witness the crowning of the first major champion of the 2025 LPGA season.
