Rory McIlroy is in second place but six shots behind leader Jacob Bridgeman going into the final round of The Genesis Invitational on Sunday.
McIlroy is targeting a first title of the season at the Riviera Country Club and while he is in second place after the third round, has plenty of ground to make up on Bridgeman.
After shooting 69 with three birdies and one bogey, McIlroy finished on 13 under par after Saturday's action. But it was Bridgeman who was in control of the leaderboard.
Even with a chance at a birdie on the 18th hole missed, Bridgeman shot 64 to close out his third round on 19 under par and a commanding lead.
"It was so hard, the greens got so fast and they're soft and they get a little bumpy later on in the day," McIlroy said afterwards.
"I was proud of myself. I sort of hung in there. I stayed as patient as I could. I wish I was a couple closer to the lead.
"I've given myself a chance. That's all I can ask for. It's not as big of a chance as I think I would like.
"I'd love to win here," he added. "I'm going to play my hardest tomorrow and we'll see what happens."
Xander Schauffele at 10 under was tied in fifth with Marco Penge one shot back from him.
Scottie Scheffler shot 66 in the third round to go into the last day on five under.
Watch round four of The Genesis Invitational live on Your Site Golf from 3.15pm on Saturday with coverage also picking up on Your Site Main Event from 8.30pm.
