Hideki Matsuyama is five shots clear at the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round of the FedEx St Jude Championship.
“I am surprised, but I did play well today,” said Matsuyama when asked about his comfortable lead. “I did put a new putter in the bag, and it’s been behaving very well. I’ve had the putter for a while, and I thought, well, it might be a good week to debut that putter. But I might change putters tonight even.
“The course does play more difficult, especially in the wind like today. It is drying out. Not sure what the condition is going to be tomorrow, but hopefully I can prepare well for it and do the same.”
Matsuyama continued to defy the absence of his regular caddy and coach after their passports were stolen in London to take control of the event at TPC Southwind.
“There’s a learning curve when you have a new caddie and trying to work things out together. But it hasn’t really affected my play. We’re a good team right now.”
The highlight of the Japanese 32-year-old’s third round was an eagle on the third, while he also produced five birdies and a solitary bogey in his six-under 64.
America’s Nick Dunlap is his closet rival after he shot 66 to move to 12 under par, with Viktor Hovland (66) of Norway a shot behind in third.
“Putted really nicely all three days. My lines on my putting have looked great. Everything has kind of matched up. Played great, honestly, the front nine, and for whatever happened on the back, I just hit some really loose shots and the putter kept me in it. Hit some good chips, and it all added up to even par.
Dunlap is one of four PGA Tour rookies to qualify for the FedExCup Playoffs and the youngest player in the field (20 years, seven months, 20 days).
“I’ve played with Scottie a couple times in practice rounds. But to actually play a real tournament with him and see what he does with certain pins, with certain winds, it’s very impressive, and I can see why he’s done what he’s done. It definitely gives me something to work on.”
FedEx Cup No. 1 Scottie Scheffler of the US shot a 69 for a share of fourth place at 10-under alongside compatriot Sam burns (70).
Rory McIlroy continued to struggle with double bogeys on the 12 and 13th holes leaving him on five over and tied in 66th place.
Related: Lauren Coughlin moves into lead in Scotland
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