US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick shot an eight-under 63 as he grabbed a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head.
The Sheffieldgolfer, chasing his second US win to go with his Major triumph, holed his second shot for an eagle two at the fourth and added six birdies for his lowest round on the PGA Tour.
He holds a one-shot lead over Patrick Cantlay, who lost in a playoff to Jordan Spieth a year ago, after Cantlay shot a 66.
That was matched by Spieth, seeking to defend a title for the first time, who is a shot further back on 12 under par, one ahead of a group including England’s Tommy Fleetwood, overnight leader Jimmy Walker and world number two Scottie Scheffler.
Paul Waring enjoys his day in the sun as Rory McIlroy edges closer to sixth rankings title
Rory McIlroy stumbles at the last as Shane Lowry makes move in Abu Dhabi
Rory McIlroy’s challenge stalls in Abu Dhabi as outsider ranked 229th in the world puts on a masterclass
Rory McIlroy five shots off leader Tommy Fleetwood after first round in Abu Dhabi
Former US PGA champion Walker, who opened with two rounds of 65 for a three-stroke halfway lead as he looks to rebuild a career blighted by illness, was tied with Fitzpatrick before three bogeys on the back nine.
Fitzpatrick has struggled for much of the year, missing four cuts in seven events before tying for 10th at the Masters last week, only his second top 10 of the season.
“I think this is a golf course that’s shown that there are low scores around here this week,” Fitzpatrick said following his round. “Aside from Augusta, it’s my favourite golf course.”
Masters champion Jon Rahm remains six shots off the lead after a third-round 69, alongside English pair Justin Rose and Aaron Rai, who slipped down the leaderboard with rounds of 72 and 71 respectively.
A double-bogey six on the 18th capped a poor third round for Ireland’s Shane Lowry after he signed for a three-over 74 to drop back to level par for the tournament.
