Back-to-back birdies coming in 🐦@JJSpaun holds a 54-hole lead for the third time in his career (1 for 2) @FedExChamp. pic.twitter.com/WtoZjMDzLU

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 13, 2022

J.J. Spaun closed his round with two birdies and a par for a 68 to take a one-shot lead into the final day of the FexEx St. Jude Championship at 13-under.

"It was a theme of patience, I believe, for today," said the American. "I didn't make a birdie until 11 and had a few good looks, but it was one of those days where I felt like I was going to get lapped. But I think I kind of mentioned that yesterday where watching the leaderboard you kind of, I used to not want to look, but maybe in the past I would have not looked and think I'm getting lapped, but reality was I was even par and I was still tied for the lead for the most part.

"It kind of helped me be Ok with being patient. Then ended up finishing the round strong with a couple birdies on 16 and 17. Got the lead going into tomorrow."

Sitting in solo second has people asking @seppstraka how he go prepped for his week in Memphis.

Just another strong showing for @BlooperBraves and @Braves. pic.twitter.com/mR49vOSWG3

— FedEx St. Jude Championship (@FedExChamp) August 13, 2022

Austrian Sepp Straka bogeyed the last hole for a 68 and lies in solo second place at 12-under.

Both Spaun and Straka won for the first time on the PGA Tour this year and a win on Sunday would guarantee them a place in the FedEx Cup finale at East Lake.

"I mean, to be where I am right now, like I'm pretty like happy," said Spaun. "Like I don't think -- I mean, everyone has expectations and we all want to win, but for me to get my first win already this year, this would just be a cherry on top. Even if I don't win and have a great week and kind of lock up East Lake that would be cool, too.

"I'm not going to let it get to me. It's almost the same thing thinking of going to Augusta the next day after Valero, you know, the night before Sunday. Trying not to get too far ahead of myself kind of what I did last time in Texas and hopefully the results are the same."

Americans Will Zalatoris (65) and Trey Mullinax (66) are tied in third place at 11-under alongside Australian Cameron Smith (67).

Smith won his first major title at this year's Open Championship and victory on Sunday would give him the number 1 spot in the world rankings.

“That's been one of my goals probably since the start of the year is to try to get to that top spot,” Smith said. “Try and chase it down.”