Scratch Dunlap has a three-shot lead heading into the last round of The American Express as he chases the primary PGA Visit win by a beginner in 33 years.
The College of Alabama understudy, 20, hit 10 birdies and a hawk in a third-cycle 60 to lead on 27under in California.
That equalled the least round by a beginner in a visit occasion, matching Patrick Cantlay's record.
The last player to win as a novice on visit was Phil Mickelson in 1991.
Playing as a support's welcome, Dunlap is the primary beginner to get it done at The American Express and, despite the fact that he isn't qualified to gather the $1.5m (£1.2m) prize cash, a success would get his PGA Visit card for a considerable length of time.
His round of 60 matched Cantlay's imprint from the Voyagers Title in 2011, however Dunlap's 12-under score comparative with standard set another novice record.
"I made a ton of putts," said Dunlap, who conceded shooting a 59 had entered his thoughts late on.
"The putter felt better. I don't think I missed anything that I ought to have made.
"I have no negatives after that round. I did everything pretty competently."
Short-term pioneer Sam Consumes is three shots behind Dunlap after a 65 at the Arena Course, one of three utilized for the competition and the site of the last round, where Justin Thomas - who addressed the College of Alabama in 2012 - equalled the course record with a 61 to sit a single shot further back.
South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout is the main other player inside six shots of the lead.