Mark Hubbard Seizes One-Shot Lead at ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic After Late Surge
Mark Hubbard has positioned himself at the top of the leaderboard at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, firing a 7-under 64 on Saturday to claim a one-shot lead. The late-round charge puts Hubbard in prime position to secure his first career PGA TOUR title and earn a critical spot in next week’s PGA Championship.
The Final Stretch: A Masterclass in Patience
Hubbard’s ascent to the top was defined by a clinical finish at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club. Birdieing four of his final five holes, Hubbard sealed his momentum with a clutch 19-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole. After settling for par on the closing hole, he finished the day at 16-under 197.
For Hubbard, the round was as much about mental fortitude as it was about technical skill. Reflecting on his performance, Hubbard noted a significant shift in his mindset compared to previous weeks.
“I felt like I had some of the best ball control I’ve had all season, maybe my whole career today, but I felt like I was kind of leaving a few out there in the middle of the round,” Hubbard said. “I think Mark a couple of weeks ago would have gotten pretty frustrated and turned a 64 into a 68. I just stayed really patient and just kept trying and kept hitting good shot after good shot and eventually the putts started going in.”
The Pursuit of a Maiden Title
This tournament marks Hubbard’s 274th start on the PGA TOUR, a testament to his persistence in one of the world’s most grueling sports. While he has come close before—most notably finishing as a runner-up at the 2019 Texas Children’s Houston Open during its fall scheduling—a victory has remained elusive until now.
The stakes are amplified this weekend; beyond the trophy, a win would provide the necessary qualification to compete in the PGA Championship next week, adding significant weight to every stroke in the final round.
The Leaderboard: Rai and Koepka Loom
While Hubbard holds the edge, the competition remains fierce. England’s Aaron Rai sits just one shot back after carding a 66. Rai’s round was highlighted by four consecutive birdies to open the back nine, followed by a steady string of five straight pars to close.
The leaderboard remains congested, with eight players trailing Hubbard by five shots or fewer. This group includes major champion Brooks Koepka, who matched Hubbard’s 64 to make a significant move, and 45-year-old Presidents Cup captain Brandt Snedeker, who posted a 67.
Key Takeaways from Round 3
- Hubbard’s Momentum: A late-round surge of four birdies in five holes propelled Hubbard to 16-under 197.
- Tight Competition: Aaron Rai remains the primary challenger, trailing by only one stroke.
- High Stakes: A victory would grant Hubbard his first PGA TOUR win and a berth in the PGA Championship.
- Veteran Presence: Brooks Koepka and Brandt Snedeker remain within striking distance heading into the final.
Looking Ahead to the Final Round
As the tournament moves into its final day, the focus shifts to whether Hubbard can maintain his newfound patience under the pressure of a potential first-time win. With a hungry field and a major championship on the line, the closing holes at Dunes Golf and Beach Club are set to be the deciding factor.