Sawt Falasteen - Scheffler surges at 3M Open with blistering back nine

The four-time major winner had been seven shots behind overnight leader Michael Kim at the turn on day three of the PGA Tour event in Minnesota.

Scheffler admitted he had given himself a talking-to that featured language "I shouldn't repeat if it's being recorded" after his bogey on nine.

The American suddenly hit a hot streak and carded a seven-under-par 64 to finish on 14-under, tied for the clubhouse lead, with several contenders on the course.

"We'll see how far back I am going into tomorrow, but overall definitely pleased with the back nine," Scheffler said.

"Probably going to need another low number tomorrow if I want to keep the pace."

It has been a year of consistently fine golf but multiple frustrating near-misses for Scheffler

He has won just one tournament, back in January, despite multiple runner-up finishes, and no majors.

To win on Sunday he will need to overcome contenders including Kim, who on Friday posted a 59 -- the 16th sub-60 round ever on the US PGA Tour.

"Hit a nice wedge there into 10 and made a nice putt at 11 and kind of figured I needed to make as many birdies as I could coming in," said Scheffler.

He chipped to within inches of the hole on 12, made another birdie at 15, and then an eagle at the shortened 16.

"(They) moved the hole up so it was drivable. Hit a decent drive, just pulled it slightly but left myself in a good spot there with an uphill chip," said Scheffler.

"It's always nice when those from off the green can go in."

M.AbuKhalil--SF-PST