Tournament host Tommy Fleetwood praised the contribution of the sell out crowds after a superb back nine rally launched him into contention at the Betfred British Masters.
Over 17,000 people were at Hillside Golf Club in Fleetwood's home town of Southport on Saturday, with many of them following the local hero as he made an eagle and three birdies in seven holes from the 11th to jump to 11 under par.
That left Fleetwood, who began the day five shots behind halfway leader Matt Wallace, just three strokes off the lead heading into the final round.
Ryder Cup star Fleetwood safely parred his opening seven holes before picking up a birdie at the eighth.
Back to back bogeys on the ninth and tenth holes threatened to derail his challenge but he bounced back brilliantly, rolling in his eagle putt from 25 feet at the 11th before making two birdies in his next three holes.
Fleetwood came agonisingly close to holing his monster birdie putt on the 15th but the ball somehow stayed above ground.
He made amends with a birdie on the 17th for the third day in a row to move into a tie for third.
After his round, Fleetwood said: "I think 11 and 12 were the two most important holes of the day. It was great to give them something to cheer about on the back.
"I definitely think towards the end they (the crowds) were great and especially when I started to get something going.
"I think after 11 and 12, because it was easy to get a little bit mellow - but these guys wouldn't let me do that, and then definitely when we could see something was happening, like 14, another birdie, and then I think everybody just started to get a lot more positive.
"And it was easy to get on the back of the crowd when they are always in your favour, so they have been great."
