Scottie Scheffler was left bemused as his putter went cold in round three of the Houston Open on Saturday. (More Sports News)
The world number one had shot a course-record 62 at Memorial Park a day prior but could not get firing on the greens as he signed for a one-under 69.
Scheffler is consequently in a tie for third at 12 under, five shots back of leader Min Woo Lee who leads by four from Alejandro Tosti.
Speaking after his round, Scheffler said: "Yesterday I holed a bunch of putts, today I feel like I couldn't get the ball to go in the hole. Feel like I hit a lot of good putts.
"There's not really much you can do different out there. Try to shoot as low as possible today and I'm going to try to do the same thing tomorrow."
Australian Lee had seven birdies and no bogeys to sit at 17 under, a 54-hole tournament record.
Reflecting on his performance, he said: "Hopefully tomorrow is another good day. Similar golf [to win]. Just got to play pretty steady off the tee.
"A couple shaky drives at the end but kind of regrouped and made it happen. Just keeping my head down and one shot at a time."
Rory McIlroy is eight shots off the pace as he continues his preparations for the Masters.
The Northern Irishman, victor at the Players Championship earlier this month, conceded he was not quite firing on all cylinders.
"I played okay," McIlroy said. "It was nice to get out there and play decent.
"Certainly didn't have my best, but shot a decent round and hopefully another good one tomorrow."
