A characteristic third-round charge by Tiger Woods came unstuck on the back nine at Whistling Straits, effectively ending his hopes of USPGA glory. Having only just made the cut, the world number one birdied three of his first five holes to raise expectations of an improbable title challenge.
But having reached four under at the 11th, Woods bogeyed the 12th and then parred the remaining holes.
The 28-year-old American goes into the final round nine shots off the lead.
"I felt good this morning and got off to a great start but didn't quite keep it up," said Woods.
"I just didn't make enough birdies on the back nine."
Woods, whose five-year reign as number one is under threat from Ernie Els, has not won a major since the 2002 US Open.
 |  The greens are still soft and the course is playing longer now, but you can still get good scores - I took advantage of that |
But that barren run was not the only thing on his mind as Woods was facing an anxious wait to discover if his home had been damaged by Hurricane Charley. The world number one lives in Orlando and said: "I didn't want to call this morning and have that on my mind going out there to play."
Woods was also annoyed by playing partner Niclas Fasth's pace of play.
"I couldn't waste my time, put the club back and start the whole routine all over again. I had to get up and I hit a poor shot," he said.
"I think it's the guys that we don't see week to week. The guys who are tour veterans know what they are doing - they never mess up."
The best of the morning starters was American left-hander Steve Flesch, who carded a bogey-free 67 to post the early clubhouse lead at four under.
The Ryder Cup hopeful, who won the Colonial in May, said: "Playing as early as we did, we didn't have much in terms of wind or anything to deal with.
"The greens are still soft and the course is playing longer now, but you can still get good scores. I took advantage of that.
"
MMIX
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