Simpson took advantage of sunny Saturday conditions to finish at 12-under par, 204. He put together nine straight back nine pars after the birdie barrage on the front side. Watson birdied the par 5 18 hole out of the bunker, running his chip shot to five feet and making the short putt for the tie. It was his second birdie of the back nine. He shot a third round 70, his highest score of the week. It was the third straight day Watson has held a share of the lead. Simpson, in third year on the PGA Tour, has never held a share of a third-round lead.

American John Rollins is alone in third place after shooting a 69-205 total. George McNeill shot the low round of the day, 65, and is in a large group of golfers tied for fourth at 206, including Australian Matt Jones, American Charles Howell III and former U.S. Ryder Cup player Steve Stricker.

“I got off to a really good start today and then when the wind started blowing, I figured par was a good score,” Simpson said. After finishing second earlier this year in Florida, he said he will use that experience on Sunday as his goes for his first PGA Tour win. “I’ve proved I can win and I proved I was ready to win. I have a lot of confidence for tomorrow,” he said.

Simpson got a huge break on the 18th hole when his second shot appeared to be going into the water which guards the left of the green, but it hit a mound and kicked straight ahead instead of going in the hazard.

Bubba Watson hits the tee shot on the 17th hole.

Watson has already won earlier this year in San Diego and said he would like nothing better than to pick up his second victory before the midway part of the season. “I just have to play Bubba golf and stay focused on what I’m doing,” he said after his round. “I’m right in a good position.”

Third round leaderboard:
1) Bubba Watson (USA) 66-68-70 (204, -12)
    Webb Simpson (USA) 68-69-67
3) John Rollins (USA) 67-69-69 (205, -11)
4) George McNeill (USA) 71-70-65 (206, -10)
    Charles Howell III (USA) 68-72-66
    Matt Jones (AUS) 66-71-69
    K. J. Choi (KOR) 68-71-67
    Steve Stricker (USA) 70-68-68
    Tommy Gainey (USA) 67-71-68