Sebastian Munoz of Colombia tees off on the 15th hole during the third round of the Sanderson Farms Championship at The Country Club of Jackson on September 21, 2019, in Jackson, Mississippi. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

By Christopher Powers
For the last five years, and six of the last eight, the Sanderson Farms Championship has produced a first-time PGA Tour winner. That trend doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.

On Saturday at the Country Club of Jackson, Colombia’s Sebastián Munoz shot the round of the week, a nine-under 63 that vaulted him to the top of the leader board at 16-under 200. Munoz, who is playing in just his 47th event on tour, is looking for his first victory. He has won before as a pro, once on the Korn Ferry Tour at the Colombia Championship in his home country and two other times worldwide.

Munoz played alongside former University of North Texas teammate Carlos Ortiz, and, not surprisingly, the two fed off each other.

“It was pretty comfortable, I’ve played with him quite a while. He made birdies, I made birdies. It was good vibes from the beginning,” said Munoz.

The duo combined for 14 birdies and one eagle, which came from Ortiz. Munoz has flashed on leader boards in the past few seasons, including finishing T-3 at The Greenbrier in 2017 and T-7 at The Greenbrier a week ago.

“It made me feel like I’m close, I’m close here again. Ready for another great day Sunday,” Munoz said.

Ortiz, 28, is also looking for his first tour victory. He’s at 15-under 201, one back of Munoz. They’ll play in the final group on Sunday in Mississippi.

Two back is Byeong Hun An, who opted to play the Sanderson over the BMW PGA Championship this week despite being a former winner of the European Tour event. Of all the players at the top of the leader board, An has come closest to a tour victory, losing twice in a playoff at the 2016 Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the 2018 Memorial Tournament, but he too he still in search of a maiden win.

Lurking at 13-under 203 is 45-year-old Cameron Percy, who is also winless on the PGA Tour.