California dreamin' as Kizzire opens up four-shot lead

American golfer Patton Kizzire fired a five-under 67 to pull away from the rest of the pack after three rounds of the Procore Championship in Napa, California.

Kizzire entered the day with a one-stroke lead over compatriot David Lipsky at Silverado Resort's North Course on Saturday (local time), and saw that advantage grow to four shots by carding six birdies against one bogey.

After missing the cut at six straight events earlier this season, Kizzire enters the final round on Sunday (Monday AEST) at 18 under 198 for the tournament.

"I think what was wrong, you couldn't see it in the stats," Kizzire said of his rut, which lasted more than two months.

"I think the consistency comes from a solid mental foundation and allowing yourself to compete, so I've been working on that and that's been a huge boost for me."

Kizzire had few problems in the third round, with a bogey at the par-4 10th his lone hiccup. He recovered nicely, recording three birdies over the final eight holes to close out his round.

"The greens were fantastic. The maintenance crew has done a fantastic job, the agronomy team has done a fantastic job. They're rolling really nice," said Kizzire, who also rattled off three straight birdies on the third, fourth and fifth holes.

"I'm seeing the greens well and putting it on the line, it's holding. This is a golf course I really enjoy playing and I'm looking forward to (Sunday)."

Lipsky went two under in the third round, not helped by back-to-back bogeys at 11 and 12. He logged four birdies, three of which came over the first seven holes.

"I really didn't have my best today," Lipsky said.

"You know, over the course of a week, days like this happen. Made some really nice putts coming down the stretch and hung in there and kept myself in it and that's all I can ask for when I don't have my A-game from tee to green."

Four golfers are breathing down Lipsky's neck, with Greyson Sigg (66), Patrick Fishburn (70) and Canadians Mackenzie Hughes (66) and Corey Conners (66) tied for third, five shots off the lead.

Wilson Furr finished with low-round honours, posting an eight-under 64 on Saturday. He is tied for seventh with Sahith Theegala (69) and Canadian Ben Silverman (65). Each member of that trio is six strokes behind Kizzire.