Sergio Garcia was running out of holes in his quest to win the prestigious Players Championship.
With just five holes left, the Spaniard was three strokes behind American leader Paul Goydos, who was displaying admirable poise in brutal winds at the Sawgrass TPC.
Goydos, a 43-year-old journeyman from California, was tied for the lead at the turn, but he jumped clear with birdies at the 10th, where he pitched in from 30 yards, and 12th holes.
That took him to seven-under, while Garcia was equal second with American Jeff Quinney at four-under with five holes left.
It seemed to be a three-man race, with American Kenny Perry next at two-under.
Garcia, seeking to become just the second European winner after Sandy Lyle, produced one of his best putting displays in a long time.
But after starting the day three shots behind Goydos, Garcia could not afford to do much wrong.
He put some pressure on Goydos with birdies at par-five 11th and par-four 12th holes, but promptly bogeyed the par-three 13th after his tee shot ran over the green.
Not that bogeys were anything to be ashamed of in winds gusting to more than 40mph.
Earlier, Canadian Stephen Ames and South African Ernie Els both had chances to post a number, only to come undone with double bogeys at the par-four 18th.