Patrick Reed and Danny Willett will enter Sunday’s finale with a share of the lead at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.
Reed carded a 67 highlighted by four birdies in a six-hole stretch (Nos. 11, 13, 14, and 16) to set the target at 14 under, with England’s Willett making three in a row from Nos. 14-16 en route to a 68 to join the American as the co-leader.
Reed is seeking his first title since winning the Green Jacket in April.
“I feel good,” said Reed. “I feel like the consistency of my game is where it needs to be.
“To have a chance to go out and finish the year off right and win a golf tournament, give myself a little early Christmas gift, a trophy, would be amazing.”
Willett’s last win also occurred at Augusta National, but it came over two years ago (2016).
“There’s a lot of golf left,” said Willett. “A lot can happen in 18 holes. I’m just happy with the golf game. The golf game is in good shape, the body is feeling good and it’s been a long old year with all the stuff that’s gone on.
“For this to be the last event I’m going to play in this year with a field this good is a real bonus.”
One back was another Englishman in Jordan Smith, who produced a big finish of his own to sign for a 69 and reach 13 under, one shot clear of compatriots Matt Wallace (71) and Lee Westwood (65), and South African Dean Burmester (68) at 12 under.
A 74 by Tommy Fleetwood dropped the Englishman to T24, eight shots off the lead, which all but assured Francesco Molinari as the winner of the Race to Dubai.
DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP
TOP 5 LEADERS: ROUND THREE
Pos-Player-To Par (Today)
1. Patrick Reed -14 (-5)
1. Danny Willett -14 (-4)
3. Jordan Smith -13 (-3)
4. Matt Wallace -12 (-1)
4. Lee Westwood -12 (-7)
4. Dean Burmester -12 (-5)
