Ryan Gerard emerges as surprise TOUR Championship contender at East Lake
BMW PGA, Golf Herren Championship 2025 Ryan Gerard USA on the 2nd tee during Round 4 of the BMW PGA Championship 2025, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England. 14/09/2025 Picture: Golffile Thos Caffrey All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit Golffile Thos Caffrey Copyright: xThosxCaffreyx *EDI*, *Imago*
BMW PGA, Golf Herren Championship 2025 Ryan Gerard USA on the 2nd tee during Round 4 of the BMW PGA Championship 2025, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England. 14/09/2025 Picture: Golffile Thos Caffrey All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit Golffile Thos Caffrey Copyright: xThosxCaffreyx *EDI*, *Imago*
One-time PGA Tour winner Ryan Gerard has put himself in contention for the biggest title of his career at East Lake. With one round to go, the 27-year-old has a comeback to make against Norway's Viktor Hovland.
On his Tour Championship debut, Gerard has certainly found his groove. Known as an excellent putter in his amateur days, the American has struggled on the PGA Tour. However, at East Lake, it has been a different story.
“I've been a feel player my entire life, and I feel like I've been someone that just kind of trusts their eyes and goes out and relies on instinct a lot, and I was getting away from that,” Gerard said.
PGA, Golf Herren AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - Second Round February 13, 2026 Pebble Beach, California, USA Ryan Gerard hits his bunker shot on the second hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Pebble Beach Pebble Beach Golf Links California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKylexTeradax 20260213_kkt_st3_059
PGA, Golf Herren AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am - Second Round February 13, 2026 Pebble Beach, California, USA Ryan Gerard hits his bunker shot on the second hole during the second round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Pebble Beach Pebble Beach Golf Links California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKylexTeradax 20260213_kkt_st3_059
Too much technicality derailed Gerard’s game. Returning to his foundation, the 27-year-old's game has improved drastically. In fact, it has lined him up for a FedEx Cup.
Gerard's consistent scoring—65, 65, 66—has him at 14-under. The American produced a bogey-free round on Moving Day, carding four birdies.
Three clutch par saves at holes 14, 15, and 17 kept Gerard in the race on Moving Day. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler trails him by two strokes, alongside Chris Gotterup, Adam Scott and Sweden's Ludvig Åberg.
The American has indeed come a long way with his putting.
“I felt like I was a really good putter growing up,” he added, as reported by PGA Tour's Paul Hodowanic. “(I) tried to get maybe a little bit too technical, a little bit too perfect.”
From finishing No. 154 in Strokes Gained: Putting last season, Gerard has climbed as high as No. 27 this season. The work by his putting coach, Joey Farrow, since last fall is showing results.
After three runner-up finishes this season, the American would finally want to cross the line at the season-finale.
Viktor Hovland holds narrow lead heading into final round
After 56 holes, Viktor Hovland finally seperated himself at the top of the packed leaderboard.
“So it was nice to get a little bit of distance, especially from the group of guys that are around that number," said Hovland, as per Golf Channel's report. "So that gives me a little bit of a cushion for tomorrow."
Hovland shot 5-under 65 on Moving Day, giving him the one-stroke cushion over Gerard. The 28-year-old made the difference on the back nine by scoring four birdies.
Sitting at 15-under 195, Hovland is eyeing his second FedEx Cup title after winning it in his dominant 2023 postseason.
Written by
Avishek Sarkar