Record 63 puts Fowler four clear of Yang

Rickie Fowler equalled the course record with a third-round 63 to move four shots clear of YE Yang at the top of the Kolon Korea Open leaderboard.

But it was a disappointing day for Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy after a two-over-par 73 saw the US Open champion fall out of contention.

Fowler began the day in a five-way tie for the lead which included McIlroy, but surged clear of the field with a fine effort that contained eight birdies and no dropped shots.

The 22-year-old American climbed to 13 under par – comfortably ahead of nearest challenger Yang who carded a 67.

“I had a good round and I can’t complain with a 63,” Fowler told OneAsia’s official website.

“Going into the round I wanted to drive the ball well and make some putts, and I was able to do that and that puts me in a good position. My goals were to drive well and putt well, but my overall game was also good.

“I think I can win. I feel good about my game and I’m in a great position, which is right where I wanted to be coming into the week.”

McIlroy, meanwhile, began his third round in encouraging fashion with birdies at the sixth and eighth.

But he then dropped six shots in eight holes – including one at the 12th where he thought he had played the wrong ball – before birdies at the 17th and 18th saw him eventually finish on three under for the tournament, ten shots off the lead.

“I had a good finish, but it was not my best day,” McIlroy said. “I played quite nicely over the first few holes, but the pin positions were very tricky.”