PGA Tour provides latest Austin Championship update as Monday finish looms

The PGA Tour has been forced to make a major announcement ahead of Sunday's final round of the 2026 Austin Championship, with heavy rain threatening to bring the tournament to an early conclusion.

Organisers had brought tee times forward in an attempt to get play underway before severe weather arrived at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. 

However, those plans have now been disrupted, with the PGA Tour confirming that no play will be possible before midday local time.

"Due to heavy rain, there will be no play prior to 12 p.m. CT at the Austin Championship presented by Compliance Solutions," the PGA Tour communications team confirmed in a post on X.

With further heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast for later on Sunday afternoon, there are growing concerns that little, if any, golf will be played on Sunday. 

A Monday finish could now be on the cards, although that will very much depend on course conditions and whether officials believe there is enough time to complete the remaining holes.

Should the tournament be declared complete after 54 holes, it would be fantastic news for Trace Crowe, who currently holds a one-shot lead at 14-under par.

Crowe finished his third round in style, holing out from the greenside bunker for birdie on the 17th before adding another birdie on the par-5 18th. 

And who knows, that finish crould prove even more crucial given the bad weather forecast in Austin right now. 

The 30-year-old American is chasing his first PGA Tour title, with a win also securing his playing rights for the next two seasons.

Crowe currently leads Sami Valimaki, Erik van Rooyen and Chad Ramey by a single stroke, with several other players still within striking distance.

The PGA Tour will undoubtedly do everything possible to complete the full 72 holes, with Monday appearing to be the most likely alternative if Sunday's play is abandoned.

There is recent precedent, too. The Bermuda Championship was reduced to 54 holes following bad weather, while Austin Smotherman returned on Monday to defeat Seamus Power in a playoff.

Smotherman, who claimed his second consecutive PGA Tour victory at the event, is now chasing an incredible third straight title. The 32-year-old is just three shots off the lead at 11-under par in Austin.

Now ranked 51st in the world, Smotherman began his remarkable winning run at the Bank of Utah Championship last month.

Last week's winner, Blades Brown, is also in contention, sitting four shots back at 10-under par after 54 holes.

GolfMagic will continue to provide updates as the PGA Tour announces further developments.

The winner of the Austin Championship will take home $1.08 million from the $6 million purse.

The Austin Championship is the penultimate event of the 2026 PGA Tour season, with next week's RSM Classic bringing the campaign to a close.

The top 100 players in the standings following the season finale will secure their PGA Tour cards for 2027.

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka headlines the field at Sea Island Golf Club, with Sweden's Ludvig Aberg and 2025 US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley also expected to feature.

Players will compete for a share of the $7.4 million prize fund and 500 FedExCup points across the two courses.

It will also represent the final opportunity to secure full playing status for next season and qualification for the first two Signature Events at Riviera and Pebble Beach.