(Reuters) - Unheralded American Troy Merritt moved one step closer to his maiden PGA Tour title by claiming a three-stroke lead after Saturday's third round of the RBC Heritage in South Carolina.
Merritt, ranked 249th in the world and playing in his 86th tour event, followed his course record-tying 61 in the second round with a 69 for a 54-hole total of 14-under-par 199 on the Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island.
Tied for second place on 11 under par after a warm, sunny day were defending champion Matt Kuchar, who shot a 68, and fellow Americans Brendon Todd (63) and Kevin Kisner (67).