Easy as ABC for Johnson at RBC

Dustin Johnson feels his driving has been key to his rise to the top of the RBC Heritage leaderboard heading into the final round.

Dustin Johnson holds a one-shot lead at the RBC Heritage heading into Sunday’s final round but there are plenty in contention at Harbour Town.

The world No.1 is the 5/4 favourite with Betfred to clinch the PGA Tour event in his home state of South Carolina after posting a three-under 68 on Saturday.

The American’s advantage could have been bigger had he not bogeyed two of his last three holes, giving hope to the 19 players who will start the final round within four shots of the lead.

Johnson’s consistency at Hilton Head could make him hard to catch though, the 34-year-old posting a sixth round in the 60s over the last two years at the RBC Heritage.

“I think I have been driving it well,” Johnson said. “That’s a big key around here. The wind direction was a lot different than it has been the last two days. The course played very difficult, especially the last three holes. It was hard to make putts.”

A group of three players are just a stroke behind Johnson, including overnight leader Shane Lowry, who is 8/1 for the win.

The Irishman slipped from top spot on the leaderboard following a poor back nine, dropping shots at the 13th, 14th and 16th as Johnson moved past him.

The in-form Ian Poulter (5/1 RBC Heritage Outright) and Rory Sabbatini (12/1) joined Lowry on nine-under, Poulter recovering from firing out of bounds on the first to post a 68.

“I don’t put any pressure on myself anymore,” Poulter told the PGA Tour website. “It’s not about the win, it’s about being in contention, which I’ve done that a lot this year.

“I feel great about my game and I’m just going to go have some fun.”

Patrick Cantlay, KJ Choi and Scott Piercy are part of a group of two players two shots off the lead, while Matt Kuchar will resume a further shot back.

Odds subject to change.