The PGA Tour moved the final round of the 2026 Austin Championship to an early start on Sunday to avoid severe weather. Both the first and 10th holes will see tee times scheduled from 7:00 a.m. to 9:01 a.m. CT. This schedule change comes after forecasts predicted a 99 percent chance of rain and heavy thunderstorms in Austin. Trace Crowe holds a one-shot lead over three players tied for second place as the tournament heads into its decisive day.
Weather forecasts for the region show considerable cloud cover and a high risk of storms moving through the area on Sunday. Temperatures are expected to reach only 63 degrees Fahrenheit as the weather system arrives. The Tour released a statement confirming the new start times to ensure groups can finish before conditions worsen. According to GolfMagic, the move intends to maximize play before severe weather impacts the course.
Weather Forces Early Start
The threat of inclement weather drove the decision to shift the final round start time significantly earlier than planned. A statement released on Saturday confirmed that groups of three will begin play from the 1st and 10th tees. The Tour stated, “Due to forecasted inclement weather, final round starting times at the Austin Championship presented by Compliance Solutions will be approximately 7:00 – 9:01 a.m. CT off Nos. 1 and 10 tees in groups of three.” This window gives players a narrow margin to complete 18 holes before the storms arrive.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa faces a near-certain chance of precipitation during the day. The forecast predicts heavy showers and thunderstorms that could disrupt play if the round does not start early. GolfMagic noted that the 99 percent chance of rain makes the early start a necessary move to save the tournament. Players must navigate the course quickly while the weather holds, or risk having their round suspended or canceled.
Crowe Holds Slim Lead
Trace Crowe enters the final round with a slender one-shot lead after a rollercoaster third round that ended on a high note. The American sits at 14-under par, just ahead of Chad Ramey, Sami Valimaki, and Erik van Rooyen who all share second place at 13-under. At the par-3 17th hole, Crowe birdied with a remarkable bunker shot that went straight in. He followed that shot with another birdie at the par-5 18th hole to finish his day on a high note.
Seeking his maiden PGA Tour victory, the 30-year-old American hopes this win will guarantee his 2027 playing privileges. A victory in Austin resolves his status problems and delivers a huge $1.08 million prize to the winner.
Contenders and Stakes
Several players are positioned to challenge Crowe for the title, including Sami Valimaki, Erik van Rooyen, and Chad Ramey. Ben Kohles and Austin Smotherman also remain in contention to win the event. Smotherman arrives in impressive form and is pursuing an extraordinary third straight win on tour. The contest for 2027 PGA Tour cards has become a major storyline as five high-profile players missed the cut and could lose their status for next season.
Some players faced serious repercussions after missing the cut, which was established at 4 under par on the Fazio Canyons course. Thompson made a bogey on his final hole after knocking his approach shot into the water, which cost him his weekend and could cost him his Tour card.
Harman Seeks Redemption
Brian Harman is looking to build on a strong performance that has put him back in contention after a difficult season start. Through 36 holes, the former Open champion reached 11 under by shooting a 6-under 66 during the second round. With a strong connection to the state, Harman, who has secured four PGA Tour victories including the 2025 Valero Texas Open, feels deeply tied to the region. “I just like Texas, it’s a nice place.”
Harman’s recent form has been driven by frustration from missing out on big tournaments earlier in the year. With a strong finish holding extra value, he arrived at the Austin Championship as the 71st-ranked competitor in the FedEx Cup Fall standings. “Obviously anytime there’s tournaments that are going on that you’re not qualified for, that’s aggravating,” Harman said. His ball-striking was more consistent in the second round, and he made a couple more putts to capitalize on his opportunities.
Approaching his 40th birthday in January, Harman stays competitive and motivated to enhance his game. The challenge of staying at the top of the standings has renewed his competitive drive. “Climbing the hill’s a lot easier than trying to stay on top of the hill,” Harman said. He has already shown that his accurate driving and sharp iron play can thrive on demanding Texas layouts.
