Viktor Hovland finally got a little separation Saturday at the Tour Championship, and all he had to do was finish with six consecutive putts of 7 feet or longer for a 5-under 65. All that got him was a one-shot lead in a season finale very much up for grabs. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.

This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.

Four of those putts were for birdie, two of them for par. He closed with a 7-foot par putt on the 18th green at East Lake in Atlanta.

The Norwegian's total is 16 under par, with Scottie Scheffler, Ryan Gerard, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott one shot behind. Scheffler shot 66, Gerard 67, McIlroy 68 and Scott 69.

The final round of the Tour Championship is Sunday. Hovland has yet to win on the PGA Tour but has three runner-up finishes this season.

"I tried to improve my game, and today the putting was good," Hovland said. "But there's still a lot of work to do."

Scheffler, ranked No. 1 in the world, said: "I played well, but Hovland had a great round. Tomorrow is a new day."

The Tour Championship is the season finale of the PGA Tour, featuring the top 30 players. The winner receives a $25 million prize.

Hovland's round was one of the best of his career. He made five birdies and one bogey on the 18 holes. Five of his last six putts were from over 10 feet.

"I feel the pressure, but it's good pressure," Hovland added. "I've prepared for this moment."

The final round starts Sunday at 10 a.m. local time. Clear and warm weather is expected.

This tournament has drawn great interest in the golf world, as it's the first time in years there's been such tight competition. In the last 10 years, only two players have reached the final with a lead of less than one stroke.

Hovland's fans are hoping for his first PGA Tour win. He finished second in the FedEx Cup playoffs in 2023.

In Tour Championship history, 70% of players leading after the first three rounds have gone on to win. This statistic gives Hovland confidence.

However, his opponents are also strong. Scheffler has won 7 events this season, while McIlroy has 4. Gerard and Scott are also in top form.

Organizers expect a large crowd for Sunday's final. All tickets have been sold out.

Hovland's coach Joe Mayo said: "Viktor is very calm and confident. He fully believes in his game."

According to experts, this could be one of the most exciting finals in recent years. Four different players have a chance to win.

Hovland concluded: "I just play my game. If I show my level, the result will come."

The winner of the Tour Championship will be known Sunday evening. The tournament will be broadcast live.