Trace Crowe leads Austin Championship by one stroke

American golfer Trace Crowe moved closer to his first PGA Tour victory after maintaining a one-stroke lead through the third round of the Austin Championship presented by Compliance Solutions, which offers $6 million in prize money.

Crowe shot a 1-under 71 with six birdies and five bogeys at the par-72 Fazio Canyons Course at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, on Saturday.

He finished the third round at 14-under 202, one stroke ahead of Chad Ramey of the United States, Sami Valimaki of Finland and Erik van Rooyen of South Africa, who were tied for second at 13-under 203.

Crowe has held the lead through all three rounds.

His best previous PGA Tour finish was a tie for third at the Bank of Utah Championship in October.

After alternating between birdies and bogeys through the 16th hole, Crowe finished strongly over the final two holes.

He made a birdie from a greenside bunker at the par-3 17th before sinking a 2.5-meter putt for another birdie at the par-5 18th.

Americans Max Greyserman and Ben Kohles were tied for fifth at 12-under 204, two strokes behind Crowe.

With the leaderboard tightly packed and severe weather forecast for the final round, the tournament remains wide open heading into Sunday.

(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)