Dufner leads PGA event in California

Jason Dufner has moved one step closer to a fourth PGA Tour victory with a sizzling back nine to grab a two-shot lead after the third round of the CareerBuilder Challenge in La Quinta, California.

The laidback American, who had been a stroke clear overnight, racked up seven birdies after the turn, including five in a row, to fire an eight-under-par 64 at La Quinta Country Club, one of three co-hosting venues this week.

Taking advantage of near-perfect conditions at the pro-am event long known for its low scoring, Dufner posted a 23-under 193 to finish two ahead of compatriot Jamie Lovemark, who carded a 65 at the PGA West's TPC Stadium Course.

Canadian Adam Hadwin was alone at 20 under after returning a 64 on the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course, with Swede David Lingmerth a further two strokes back after a blistering 62 at La Quinta.

Dufner has not won on tour since capturing the 2013 PGA Championship, but he moved within one strong round of ending his drought when he mixed three birdies with two bogeys on his outward nine before catching fire after the turn.

Hitting pinpoint approaches and putting superbly, the 38-year-old picked up further shots at the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and the ninth to double his overnight lead.

"I told the guys (his playing partners) that I was going to have a good back nine ... that I was about to do something good and it happened," Dufner told Golf Channel.

"When you start thinking like that, good things happen so that's just kind of where my mindset is right now. It helps when you are shooting 30s and 29s obviously, which I've done a couple of times this week."

Twice former champion Phil Mickelson, competing in his first event since last October's Presidents Cup, carded 66 to trail by six shots.

Rod Pampling is the best-placed Australian at 13 under in a tie for 19th after firing a round of four under.

Compatriot Matt Jones shot a round of five under to be 12 under for the tournament.