South Korea’s Si Woo Kim gave himself a great chance of winning the Valero Texas Open after firing a round of 69 ensured he retained the lead for a third straight day.

The 23-year-old had a four-shot advantage at the start of the day but it was reduced to one as the chasing pack closed in on Saturday.

After back-to-back 66s, Kim had to settle for a three-under round to move onto 15-under par in San Antonio. Canadian Corey Conners is Kim’s nearest challenger on 14 under after he fired a 66, but American Charley Hoffman went two shots better with a 64 to move into third place on 13 under.

Hoffman knows what it takes to win on the PGA Tour and he is a big threat to Kim and punters may be tempted to back him at odds of 4.50.

Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler had been within striking distance of Kim ahead of the third round but they both fell away after disappointing rounds on Saturday.

Conners only secured his place in the tournament after winning a six-man play-off in qualifying on Monday and Kim admits his rival is playing with real confidence.

He told the PGA Tour official website: “It’s a tough day. First six holes, like rain and windy. Back nine weather is better and a little bit of pressure.

Yeah, still feels great and looking forward to tomorrow. “Corey’s first six holes were crazy – like every shot right on it and then [he] putted good.”

Kim remains the 2.38 favourite, while Conners is 4.50 to lift the trophy this weekend.