Taking part in simply forward of Lowry and David Skinns, who was two-over by 5 holes, Oklahoma native Eckroat birdied the fourth and fifth to guide by a shot on 15-under from Van Rooyen and by three from Mexico Open winner, Jake Knapp, who has simply three holes to play.
As for Rory McIlroy, the world quantity two closed with a bogey-free, three-under 68 to complete tied sixteenth within the clubhouse on 10-under.
He was ranked first for strokes gained off the tee and for strokes gained from tee to inexperienced however sixty fifth for strokes gained placing, leaving him with work to do earlier than this week’s Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.
Lowry will resume his closing spherical at 8 am native time (1 pm Irish time) dealing with a 206-yard strategy to the robust sixth from the golf green.
As for Eckroat, who tied for tenth within the US Open final yr however remains to be searching for his maiden PGA Tour win, the 2021 Walker Cup star is pleased with the lead.
“I felt like I used to be a bit of shaky at first however was in a position to knock in some pars,” he stated. “To get the birdie on 4 and 5 was nice, and actually put myself in a great place for tomorrow.”
He is aware of he can play nicely and lose after he led the AT&T Byron Nelson by 54 holes final yr and shot a closing 65 solely to complete tied for second behind Jason Day, who shot 62,
“Clearly I did not come out on high, however I performed very well,” he stated. “Then additionally there’s a variety of guys nonetheless in it tomorrow. Form of how Jason Day was.
“It is not like I am simply making an attempt to beat the fellows within the group behind me, and you may see that from guys taking part in so nicely as we speak already.”
