John Deere Classic: Brian Harman leads by one after third round 65
Last Updated: 13/07/14 9:31am
Brian Harman claimed a one-shot lead going into the final day of the John Deere Classic after he carded a third round of 65 on Saturday.
The 27-year-old American recorded eagles on both the par-five second and 17th holes along with birdies on the fourth, eighth, 10th and 15th, but bogeys on the 12th and last meant he did not match his opening round of 63.
Steve Stricker went one better on the day with a round of seven-under 64 and will head into the final day as Harman's nearest challenger.
Stricker, who has qualified for the Open Championship at Hoylake this coming week, shot four birdies on the front nine and matched the feat on his way back to the clubhouse, with the only blot on his day a bogey on the par-four 11th.
Harman, who is seeking his first win in his 88th start on the PGA Tour, said: "I'm going to try to shoot the lowest score I possibly can. If it's good enough, great. If not, I'll be chilling on the boat next week.
Third round leaderboard
(US unless stated)
-17 B Harman
-16 S Stricker
-15 S Brown
Click here for collated scores
"It's a first shot golf course. You've got to really get in good position to attack those pins. They were decently accessible today and I made a couple of putts and shot a good score."
Scott Brown shot a superb 61 to move into third place after a flawless round which contained 10 birdies and he will start Sunday two shots off the lead.
South Africa's Tim Clark, Americans Jerry Kelly, William McGirt and Zach Johnson were tied for fourth place on 14-under-par.