Reaching the top of the leaderboard is a difficult journey on the greens. It shows the resilience, the grit, and the sheer toll a player endures to get there. And when you’re that close to what you’ve been chasing all along, it’s natural for emotions to find their way out, whether through a quiet smile or tears. This time, it is Justin Lower who could not control his tears.

After tying his career low of 9 under 63 on the PGA Tour in the third round of the WWT Championship and jumping to T1, Lower is as close as he’s ever been to a win, pulling ahead of the field. And it’s huge for him—probably a possible breakthrough he’s been after since he first picked up a club. When he was asked what a “win” would mean, his answer said it all: “Everything.”

A visibly emotional Lower couldn’t hold back his tears as he thought about what victory would mean at this year’s World Wide Technology Championship. After three relentless rounds, he’s in the lead, sharing the top spot with Nico Echavarria and Carson Young, and the weight of this potential win was nearly overwhelming. 

From a birdie spree at the start to his beautiful eagle on the 18th; his performance at El Cardonal spoke volumes. The 35-year-old golfer, who already had three top-10 finishes this season and sits comfortably in the FedExCup Fall standings at No. 95, has been working hard. Damn hard. “I’m just trying to improve as much as I can out here. Everyone’s really good, and we’re all trying to beat our brains out,” he shared. “I’m just trying to see how good I can be.”

Although he hasn’t secured a win yet on the Tour, Lower’s improvement has been undeniable. This week marked his 21st made cut in 29 tournaments this season, firmly placing him in the mix for his first win. It’s been quite a journey: only three top-10s last season, two the season before that. He’s been up, he’s been down, but he’s kept grinding. It’s no surprise the emotions are kicking in.

Laughing, he tried to brush it off, saying he’d “stop doing this,” getting choked up in interviews. His voice caught as he spoke, and the emotions started to come through. “Sometimes I think I never would have gotten this far,” he admitted. “I’ve been through a lot in my life, and it’s just, I don’t know, it’s just a lot of fun. It’s nothing sad that I’m crying. I don’t know; it’s just joyful. I love being out here.”

It’s not the first time Lower has struggled to hold back tears. When he finished as co-medalist in the U.S. Open Final Qualifying, his emotions were raw as he shared what the moment meant to him. He admitted, teary-eyed, “It’s just really cool.” Having lost his father at just 15, the U.S. Open—falling on Father’s Day—was even more meaningful.

With everything Lower has been through to get here, it’s clear this moment means the world to him. He’s just one round away from potentially claiming his maiden win. It’s emotional, it’s exciting, and it’s a journey worth watching. But with fierce competition ahead, will Lower be able to take home the trophy?

A tough competition can be a threat to Lower’s victory

Nico Echavarria, fresh off his victory at the ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, is in striking distance once again, playing bogey-free golf through 54 holes. For Echavarria, it’s all about keeping his nerves in check. “I think I can manage the wind pretty well out here. So, we’ll see. I’ve been playing good golf and putting in the right work,” he shared, confident of his consistent effort rather than his position on the leaderboard.

But Echavarria isn’t the only threat. Carson Young also is tied at T1. He shot 61 on Saturday. He also has not had any wins on the Tour, and is in Mexico for just that! “It’s what I’m here for,” Young said. “I’m here to win and I’m excited that I’m in good position to try to do it tomorrow.”

The leaderboard shines with names like Austin Eckroat, Joe Highsmith, and Max Greyserman. Greyserman, in particular, is a name to watch, having finished second in three of his last five TOUR starts, including to Echavarria at the ZOZO. The final round at El Cardonal is setting up to be a thrilling race, with eight golfers within two shots of the lead.

For Lower, it’s about proving to himself that he belongs. While for the rest, it’s an opportunity to make their mark. Will Lower secure his first win, or will one of the other contenders rise to the challenge? It remains to be seen.