Tim Clark shoots way into contention

On moving day, South Africa’s Tim Clark birdied his way into contention.

Entering Saturday eight shots behind leader Jason Day, Clark was 5-under on the front nine and that is how he would finish, carding 67 and bringing himself within three shots of the leaders before they teed off.

His performance gives him confidence heading into the final round. Clark has been there before with a second-place finish in the 2006 Masters.

“I don’t think I’m going to be that far back, to be honest,” Clark said. “It all depends on what the other guys do, but it is firming up out there, a little bit of wind swirling around. I feel like I’ll be in pretty good shape.”

After birdieing No. 2, Clark made his move, making birdies on Nos. 4 through 7.

“Going off early, the front-nine greens were still somewhat receptive, so I was able to get some birdies early and just sort of try to hang on,” Clark said.

The round was a rebound from Friday, when Clark shot 76 after opening with 70. Putting was the key.

“If you watched me yesterday, I think I missed 10 putts inside eight feet yesterday,” said Clark, who uses an anchored stroke. ”I got out and made a few nice putts early, and you know that’s how you get your confidence back.”

Clark was a little up and down on the back nine Saturday. He made birdie on No. 13, bogeyed No. 14 and birdied the 16th.

Looking to end the round positively, Clark’s second shot to the 18th green found the fringe 30 feet from the cup. His chip sailed long, and his par putt from 15 feet missed left by inches.

Despite finishing with a bogey, Clark was happy with the way he played Saturday and overall.

“For me it’s been about the ball striking this week,” Clark said. “I’ve driven it great. A lot of fairways, and obviously to shoot a round like that you’ve got to make putts.”