Thomas wants Woods' seal of approval at Hero World Challenge

Justin Thomas would be thrilled to gain the seal of approval from Tiger Woods by going on to win the Hero World Challenge.

Woods, a 15-time major champion, is hosting the event at the Albany Golf Club in the Bahamas.

After three rounds, Thomas holds a one-shot lead over world number one Scottie Scheffler, who squandered a birdie putt on the 18th and sits at 16 under par.

Asked how he would feel to receive the trophy from Woods, Thomas said: "Yeah, yeah, that would be great.

"I've had a couple of opportunities in the past, but it's something I'd love to check off my box in my career at some point."

Leaderboard with 18 holes to play at the Hero World Challenge1. Justin Thomas (-17)2. Scottie Scheffler (-16)3. Tom Kim (-15)4. Keegan Bradley (-13)T5. Sahith Theegala (-12)T5. Akshay Bhatia
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 7, 2024

Thomas has not won a title since lifting the PGA Championship in May 2022, but is in a strong position after carding a bogey-free, six-under-par 66 on Saturday.

"I've been progressing nicely, and have been working on all the right things," the American said.

"I feel like I've been seeing signs of improvement, which is what you want and that's all I can do.

"I can't control everybody else or what’s going on, I've just got to keep playing as good as I possibly can and hope that it's enough come Sunday."

Tom Kim was one of Saturday's big moves, as he went up seven places to third after scoring 62, with a double-bogey on the 17th quashing his hopes of equalling the course record of 61.

Kim sits two shots back from Thomas and two ahead of Keegan Bradley on 13 under, with Akshay Bhatia and Sahith Theegala tied for fifth a shot further back.

Cameron Young, who was the first-round leader, is down in 12th on five under, after he only managed a par score of 72.