John Catlin increased his advantage at the top of the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters leaderboard after keeping his card clean in the early stages of his third round.
Catlin began the day with a two shot lead after following up Thursday's 69 with an impressive 70 to become the only player to post two sub par rounds in blustery conditions at Real Club Valderrama.
The American made a steady start on Saturday, safely parring the opening four holes to remain on three under par.
That gave Catlin a three stroke lead over nearest challenger Jamie Donaldson as the final group headed to the fifth tee, after the chasing pack all dropped shots on the first few holes.
Two time Major Champion Martin Kaymer was in the big group another shot behind Welshman Donaldson on one over after carding two birdies and a solitary bogey in his first seven holes.
