Defending champion Justin Leonard shot a 68 yesterday to take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the $3 million Texas Open.
The 29-year-old American put himself in a good position to became the first repeat winner of the event since Arnold Palmer in 1962 when he finished on 197, 16 under par, at the LaCantera Golf Club.
Former US amateur champion Matt Kuchar fired a 64 - the best round of his fledgling pro career - to move into second place on 199. Carl Paulson (68) was a further stroke back on 200, two ahead of Tom Scherrer, J.J. Henry and Marco Dawson.
"I feel like I have a lot of work to do to close the deal, but I like the position I've put myself in," said Texan Leonard, who would become the first player since Tiger Woods at this year's World Golf Championship-NEC Invitational in Ohio to score a repeat win.
The 1997 British Open champion saw his three-shot overnight lead dwindle to one stroke after reaching the turn in 35, but birdies at the 10th, 12th and 15th holes took him two clear of Kuchar.
"I didn't play as well as I did the first couple of days, but I still have a lead and that's where I want to be," said Leonard.