Australia's Min Woo Lee shot a seven-under-par 63 to surge into the lead in the third round of the Texas Children's Houston Open as Rory McIlroy went from nearly missing the cut to briefly moving into the top 10.
McIlroy needed three late birdies on Friday to ensure that he would be around for the weekend and he followed up yesterday's round of 66 with a 65 on Saturday.
The Irishman chipped-in for eagle on No 8, his second-to-last hole, rounding off a bogey-free round which leaves him in a promising position as he heads into the final round in a tie for 14th place at nine-under.
Lee holds a four-stroke lead on Argentina's Alejandro Tosti, whose 65 put him in second place at 13-under. Australia's Ryan Fox also posted 65 and shares third place with Ryan Gerard (68) and Scottie Scheffler (69) at 12-under
With three consecutive birdies, Lee built a three-stroke lead through 10 holes. He had a seven-hole stretch when he needed only seven putts and ended the round with four consecutive pars.
Scheffler, playing in what is essentially his home event, led by one shot after matching his course record with Friday's 62. Some golfers had to complete the second round Saturday morning after thunderstorms delayed the event.
Scheffler didn't have a bogey through the first two rounds but posted a pairon the fourth and 13th holes on Saturday.
Davis Thompson made a big move with a 64, putting him at 10-under.
Canada's Taylor Pendrith was flirting with the lead through play Friday, but his 70 left him tied for 10th at 10-under.
