Schauffele finally moved into a tie on the short par-4 12th, sinking a 10-footer for birdie. Clark made a par save on virtually the same line to avoid a two-shot swing.

But Clark’s most clutch effort ended in a bogey.

After he chunked his wedge shot 20 yards shy of the iconic par-3 17th hole island green, Clark hit another ball from the same spot onto the putting surface 123 yards away rather than opt to play from the drop zone.

As he walked to the green, he took off his hat and wiped dirt from his face. Clark then sank the 7-foot putt.

“It’s massive,” he said. “I’m hoping that’s a huge point in the tournament and we look back after tomorrow and look at that hole and say, ‘Hey, that was maybe the shot and the putt that meant it all.’ ”

Clark’s struggles ultimately stopped a potential runaway to set the stage for another drama-filled Sunday in a tournament known for fantastic finishes.

Saturday itself delivered plenty of fireworks, none more than Brian Harman’s 8-under 64 to move him within two shots of the lead. The reigning British Open Championship winner trailed Clark by seven shots to start the day but recorded the lowest round of the week following a second-round 65, giving him the lowest combined score (129) in tournament history during the middle 36 holes.

“You know that this place can flip. Very rarely does someone win by a bunch here,” Harman said.

A host of golfers aim to capitalize in the final round.

At 13-under after shooting 68 are Maverick McNealy and Matt Fitzpatrick, who closed with four birdies in his final five holes. World No. 1 and defending champion Scottie Scheffler (68) is 12-under along with Sahith Theegala, who was 4-under on his closing four holes for a 67.

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