Xander Schauffele leads a star-studded leaderboard going into the final round of the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Forth Worth, Texas, with Rory McIlroy just three shots adrift of the lead.
Schauffele, who began the day two shots back of overnight leader Harold Varner III, mixed six birdies with two bogeys to card a four-under-par 66 that left him at 13-under par for the week at a spectator-free Colonial Country Club.
A round of 69 was his highest this week at the course, but the pre-tournament favourite remains within striking distance.
The four-time major winner, who posted six top-10 finishes in six starts this season before tournament play was halted in March, said playing without spectators was starting to feel odd.
"The first couple days it was fine, but definitely today it's feeling strange," said McIlroy. "I'm sure tomorrow will feel pretty strange, especially with so many guys in and around the lead."
Schauffele meanwhile quietly capped his round with an 11-foot birdie putt and later said the absence of fans did not bother him.
"I don't have like a huge effect on the crowd I'd say, so not having fans isn't the craziest thing," said Schauffele. "It just does feel like I'm playing at home with some of my buddies. It's quiet.
"You make three birdies in a row, you can kind of give yourself a pat on the back. That's kind of it."
Sitting one shot back in the first PGA Tour event following a three-month Covid-19 break was a pack of five golfers that included world number four Justin Thomas (66), three-times major winner Jordan Spieth (68) and reigning US Open champion Gary Woodland (66).
Schauffele will face quite a test in his search for a fifth PGA Tour victory as 13 players are within three shots of the lead, including world number one McIlroy (69), former Masters champion Patrick Reed (63) and Varner (70).
