Australia's Nathan Green maintained a one-shot lead at the US$4.1 million PGA John Deere Classic after carding a three-under-par 68 in the third round on Saturday.
Green, who entered the round with a one-stroke cushion, fired six birdies against three bogeys Saturday to improve his overall score to 15-under 198.
The 32-year-old has only one top-10 finish in 19 events this season, his second on the US tour.
PHOTO: AFP
"It is hard to commit 100 percent to shots when you're so worried about the outcome," Green said.
"But this week has been a little bit different. Today especially on the front nine, I know I pretty much hit most shots where I wanted to hit them. Hopefully I can do more of that tomorrow," he said.
After firing a sizzling eight-under 63 on Friday, Green picked up where he left off a day later at the 7,257-yard TPC Deere Run course.
He holed birdies on one, five, six and eight to improve his overall score to 16-under through eight holes.
Green faltered with a pair of bogeys on 10 and 11 but bounced back with birdies on the next two holes.
He struggled to a bogey on the par-five 17th before finishing his round with a par on 18.
Boasting just seven top-10 finishes in his one-and-a-half seasons on the circuit, Green recorded his best career finish last year at the Buick Invitational, where he was runner-up to Tiger Woods.
"I think you probably look at leaderboards a little bit and realize - you're always curious about what's going on," said Green, who has never led a tournament through three rounds.
"If you're behind you're trying to make as many birdies as you can. I think a little bit, especially toward the back nine tomorrow, you sort of have to play a little bit according to your position," he said.
Tim Clark made a late charge to finish his round in sole possession of second place at 14-under 199 overall.
The South African recorded seven birdies - including three straight to end the round - against just two bogeys to card a 5-under 66.
"I'm looking for my first win out here, too," said Clark, who has never won a PGA event.
"You can throw me in that same boat. Everyone out here on the leaderboard is a great player, so it's certainly going to take a low round tomorrow for someone to win," he said.
American Jonathan Byrd climbed to third after firing a 6-under 65 on Saturday. He was tied with Clark for second overall before bogeying the 18th.
Americans Brian Gay and Kenny Perry are tied for fifth overall at 12-under 201.
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