Steele pulls ahead in Hawaii, makes move for fourth tour title

Brendan Steele went from lagging behind to seizing control Saturday in the Sony Open when he birdied his last three holes for a 6-under 64 to take a three-shot lead into the final round.

Steele had a share of the lead to start the day in Honolulu, with 23 players separated by four shots.

Now he’s at 12-under 198, and only Cameron Smith (66) is within three of the lead. Steele will be going for his fourth PGA Tour victory, and first since repeating at the Safeway Open in the fall of 2017.

Steel, Kevin Kisner and Mark Anderson each shot 64. Kisner was tied for the lead when he finished his round.

Steele went from a share of the lead to two shots behind when he went long of the green on the third and fourth holes, both time making bogey. He was still trailing when his round turned on the par-5 ninth with a second shot into 8 feet for eagle. He added two birdies early on the front nine, and then had his big finish.

Smith, who made his Presidents Cup debut last month and beat Justin Thomas in singles, was even par for the day through 13 holes, four shots behind.

Webb Simpson had a 66 and was five shots behind, along with former Sony Open winner Ryan Palmer and Collin Morikawa, who each had a 68. EUROPEAN TOUR >> Louis Oosthuizen is on course to defend his title at the South African Open and takes a one-shot lead into the final round in Johannesburg.

Oosthuizen shot 7-under 64 in the third round at Randpark Golf Club to move to 15 under par overall and hold a narrow advantage over Marcus Armitage.