John Senden soared into contention at the PGA tour event in Florida on the back of a brilliant seven-under 64 which drew him to within two strokes of leader Robert Garrigus.
Senden’s round was highlighted by a trio of monster 30 foot birdie putts, part of a bogey-free round that launched him up the leader board after three rounds.
Senden, co-runner up in this event in 2008, was the biggest mover on Saturday and was delighted with his stunning form on the greens.
“I just was trying to be free, trying to putt like I do on the practice putting green,” Senden, who finished the day in outright third, told reporters.
“I took it straight to the golf course today. Very happy to do that.
“Theres a lot of grain on these greens and ball seems to turn a lot when your’e putting. You’ve really got to take note of way the grain reads.”
Garrigus fired a one-under-par 70 to finish the round at eight-under par – one shot ahead of fellow American Kevin Na.
Garrigus will go for his second PGA Tour title on Sunday and led by three strokes after the first two rounds at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook.
Na, of Rancho Cucamonga, California, moved within one shot of the lead following his three-under 68.
Na and Garrigus were in the final group on Saturday, and were both put on the clock Saturday for slow play. They each had a single “bad time.” Another bad time would have been a one-shot penalty.
Reigning US Open champ Justin Rose tallied a two-under 69 and is alone in fourth at five-under 208.
Former winner Retief Goosen, of South Africa, made the cut on the number, then fired a 64 in round three and vaulted into a tie for fifth place at four-under 209. He was joined there by Charley Hoffman (67) and Scott Langley (69).
Matteo Manassero (71), Jason Kokrak (68) and 2012 champion Luke Donald (67) share eighth place at minus-three.