HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Si Woo Kim has seized the lead at the 2025 RBC Heritage, posting a 5-under-par 66 in Saturday’s third round to edge ahead of Justin Thomas by one shot at Harbour Town Golf Links. Kim, sitting at 15-under-par for the tournament, has positioned himself for a potential fifth PGA Tour victory and his first since the 2023 Sony Open.
Kim’s third-round score featured six birdies, and a final-hole bogey, which — coupled with Thomas’ birdie — slimmed Kim’s margin from three to a single shot.
The 29-year-old South Korean, known for his ball-striking prowess, leads the field in strokes gained approach and ranks in the top 10 in putting, a combination that has propelled him slightly past Thomas, who held the 36-hole lead.
“I stayed patient out there and hit a lot of good shots,” Kim said post-round. “This course is tough, but I’m feeling confident with my game right now.”
Thomas, who began the day with a two-shot advantage, carded a 2-under-par 69 to sit at 14-under-par, one shot back. The former world No. 1 offset two bogeys with four birdies, highlighted by a gain on the 18th to cut the deficit to one.
Thomas remains in prime position for his first win since the 2022 PGA Championship, leaning on his newly adopted putter and sharp iron play.
“It’s a tight leaderboard, and I’m right where I want to be,” Thomas said. “Tomorrow’s going to be a battle, but I’m ready for it.”
Sitting alongside Thomas was Andrew Novak (66) at 14 under. Maverick McNealy was one further back on 13 under after a 65.
Brian Harman (66) and Tommy Fleetwood (68) were tied for fifth at 12-under-par, three shots off the pace.
The $20 million RBC Heritage, the fifth signature event of the 2025 PGA Tour season, offers a $3.6 million winner’s check and 700 FedEx Cup points. With no cut, the entire 72-player field advances to Sunday’s final round, but the leaderboard’s congestion — 18 players within six shots of Kim — sets the stage for a dramatic finish.
