Shane Lowry stormed into a share of the Cognizant Classic lead with an eight-under 63, tying Austin Smotherman at 13 under after Saturday's third round. The Irish golfer, who has finished second in 2022 and tied for fourth in 2024 at this PGA National event, delivered a bogey-free round to move into contention.

Smotherman, who led after the first two rounds, battled through three bogeys and five birdies to card a 69, matching his opening 62. The American held off back-to-back bogeys on holes six and seven with a strong birdie-birdie finish, keeping him in position for what would be his first PGA Tour victory. Both players now head into Sunday's final round with everything to play for.

Behind the leaders, Nico Echavarria (66) and Taylor Moore (67) sit one shot back at 12 under, while Jimmy Stanger's remarkable comeback continues with a 65 that puts him alone in fifth at 11 under. Stanger, returning from serious elbow issues that sidelined him for two years, expressed joy simply at being back in contention. With firm greens and favorable wind conditions, the leaderboard suggests Sunday could bring more low scores as players chase the title.