Sam Burns posted a third-round 69 at the AT&T Byron Nelson, and will enter Sunday’s finale at TPC Craig Ranch with a one-shot lead over Kyoung-Hoon Lee.

The 24-year-old Burns, who is making his first start since picking up his maiden career win two weeks ago, entered Saturday’s round holding a two shot lead. The LSU product was up and down through his first six, mixing a pair of birdies with two bogeys and two pars. But for his final 12, Burns was perfect, finishing with nine pars and three birdies, including a final-hole gain to secure Sunday’s pole position.

“Yeah, that’s kind of what Travis said coming down 18,” said Burns when asked about following up a career low round (62).

“I told him, ‘Man, I didn’t really have my best stuff today and just left a few out there.’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, but it’s hard to follow up what happened yesterday. It’s important to remember that.’

“You know if I feel like if I didn’t have my best and was able to shoot 3-under, I’m proud of the way we battled out there.

“I think the golf course played a little tougher with the wind today, I think personally. So, yeah, all in all solid day.”

One shot back on 19 under was the Korean Lee, who signed for a bogey-free scorecard which included five birdies, highlighted by a hat trick of gains on Nos. 12, 14, and 15, en route to a 67.

Lurking two further back was home favorite Jordan Spieth, who shot a 66, highlighted (once again) by a crowd-pleasing eagle on the 18th hole.

Spieth was 17 under par, and tied for third place with Charl Schwartzel (66), Matt Kuchar (66), and Alex Noren (70).

“I mean, I don’t think it matters if we get rain or don’t get rain. I think the scores will be low regardless,” said Spieth.

“And so it’s another day you got to come out — I mean, it’s one of those rounds you want to control your own destiny, but looks like I’ll be three back, and so you just got to go low or hope that Sam doesn’t go as low, right?

“So if I just have the attitude I did today, go out and be really patient, wait for it to come to me, play the easy holes well, and wait for your chances.

“I think there are still a 6- or 7-under out there.”

2021 AT&T Byron Nelson

Top-5 Leaders: Round 3
Pos-Player-To Par-(Rd 3)
1. Sam Burns -20 (-3)
2. Kyoung Hoon Lee -19 (-5)
3. Jordan Spieth -17 (-6)
3. Matt Kuchar -17 (-6)
3. Charl Schwartzel -17 (-6)
3. Alex Noren -17 (-2)

Material from the PGA Tour Media was used to compile this report.