Scott Stallings
American Scott Stallings made two eagles and five birdies during a flawless nine under par 63 yesterday that secured him a five-stroke lead at the US PGA Tour's Humana Challenge.
Stallings has yet to drop a shot after 54 holes in the California desert and will start today's final round on 22 under 194, poised to claim a third PGA Tour victory in as many seasons.
"I've been aggressive," said the 27-year-old, whose third- round effort came on the Nicklaus Course, one of three par-72 layouts in use over the first three days of the event.
"I've been smart when I got out of position. Just because I played really good, doesn't mean that I've hit it perfect on every single hole."
Stallings said he'd take the same approach into today's final round on the Palmer Course.
The leader's nearest rivals will be former British Open champion Stewart Cink, Roberto Castro, Charles Howell, John Rollins and Charley Hoffman.
Aaron Baddeley was the best-placed Australian heading into the final round, eight shots off the pace at 14 under with Greg Chalmers, Alistair Presnell and Steven Bowditch a further shot back.
Despite the wealth of low scores in the balmy desert weather, Cink said it would be hard to make up a five-stroke deficit today.
"You're going to have to go out there and really be aggressive and play well and really make some putts," he said.
Phil Mickelson, making his 2013 season debut, had six birdies in his six under 66 on the Palmer Course.
His 11-under total saw him make the cut with two strokes to spare.
The cut came after three rounds to allow all players to play each course in the rotation.