By Christopher Powers
If Justin Thomas’ pre-round warmup on Thursday was any indication, he was in for a rough week. The nine-time tour winner called it “the worst warmup of my life,” adding that he had no idea where the ball was going when he eventually teed off. Not exactly a great frame of mind to be in before heading to the first tee.

That warmup ended being a good omen, as Thomas has gone on to shoot rounds of 65, 69 and Saturday’s 11-under 61, his lowest round on the PGA Tour since his 59 at the 2017 Sony Open. Thomas got after it early in his third round at Medinah, making five consecutive birdies to start before making his only bogey of the day. He turned in five-under 31, then made two eagles and two birdies to finish with a six-under 30 on the back nine. He doesn’t plan on slowing down on Sunday.

“Just try to get the lead to seven as fast as I can, and then try and get it to eight,” said Thomas after the round.

Thomas, who began the week 15th in the FedEx Cup standings and is now projected first, has not won in over a year, his last victory coming at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in 2018. He takes a six-shot lead into the final round, and a victory would be the 10th of his career.

Tony Finau and Patrick Cantlay are tied for second at 15-under 201, while Rory Sabbatini is in solo fourth and Jon Rahm in solo fifth. Hideki Matsuyama, who led after 36 holes, shot a one-over 73 and is now 10 back.