World number three Jason Day was relieved to get through his third round at the BMW Championship unscathed as another title looms.
Day extended his lead to six shots via a two-under-par 69 in Illinois on Sunday morning (AEST), but the FedEx Cup play-offs leader did not have it all his own way, unlike his previous two rounds.
The in-form Australian star, who led by eight at one stage, required a birdie putt at the 18th to break 70, having dropped four shots and hit a ball out of bounds at Conway Farms Golf Club.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Day said: "I thought the pin locations were pretty difficult. I think the northerly wind that we had today was very difficult, as well.
"I tend to like this southerly, and I think we're going back to the southerly tomorrow, so that's a plus.
"There were a number of things that I would like to tidy up for tomorrow, but just making soft little mistakes, missing greens with wedges and hitting it out of bounds is obviously not the plan going into today.
"To be able to squeak out with a 69 and really feel like I got everything that I possibly could out of today's round, I think that was the best score I could have shot.
"Obviously the first two rounds were great, and I think this was one of the more important rounds to get through today, and I'm glad it's over and I extended the lead by one more shot. Overall I'm pretty happy with how things are going."
With a tricky round put to one side, Day now turns his attention to the final day.
Day is six shots clear of nearest challengers, American duo Scott Piercy and Daniel Berger, while world number one Rory McIlroy is a stroke further back.
A fourth win in six starts for Day appears imminent but the 27-year-old is not prepared to simply defend his commanding lead on Monday morning (AEST).
Day added: "Just trying to push forward, trying to push further. Just trying to extend that lead is the mindset. Trying to defend is no good. Extending the lead is much better because if you do falter then you'll have a buffer.
"But I'm just trying to go out there and I'm going to try and commit better tomorrow. I'm going to try and trust myself a little bit better tomorrow, and I'm hoping it happens."