Kevin Kisner fired a round of six-under to take a three-shot lead into the final day of the RSM Classic in Georgia.
The American began the day in second place on 10-under for the tournament, and had a steady start to the round, firing two birdies on the front nine.
Kisner made his charge to take the lead at the turn as he birdied the 10th and 13th, although his progress was halted by a bogey on the 14th.
However, the 33-year-old ended with three consecutive birdies to finish the round on 64 to leave him 16-under for the competition.
Kevin Chappell dropped down into second place in the tournament as he posted a round of two-under, but he was made to rue mistakes he made early in his round to drop three shots off Kisner's pace.
Graeme McDowell made a charge through the pack to close within four shots of the lead. The Northern Irishman produced an error-free round of five-under 65 to move into third place.
Alex Cejka, Jeff Overton and Jim Herman are also within striking distance going into the final day of the competition.
