What a thrill! John Marshall Butler has set the bar high at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship and is on the verge of claiming his first Korn Ferry Tour title. With a bogey-free 5-under 66 in Round 3, he grabbed the outright lead. His tournament record of 16-under 197 after 54 holes means: a one-stroke lead heading into the final round.
The Korn Ferry Tour rookie is making his 23rd start and is chasing the biggest success of his young career. So far, a T3 at the 2026 Visit Knoxville Open was his best result. This is his first-ever 54-hole lead on Tour, and the excitement is palpable.
Butler's Impressive Streak
Butler enters this final round with momentum. After two consecutive top-25 finishes, including a T9 at the 2026 AdventHealth Championship, where he briefly held a share of the 36-hole lead, he's playing very strong. As No. 48 on the 2026 Korn Ferry Tour Points List, a win now would be invaluable to position himself for the Finals.
Showdown on the Green
After 36 holes, the picture looked different: Phichaksn Maichon was in front at 12-under, while Butler and Jorge Fernandez Valdez shared second place at 11-under. But Butler's third round, that phenomenal 66, catapulted him to the top. On Sunday, it all comes down to the final round, and Butler will have to defend his lead. The match will be televised starting Sunday afternoon.
