American Ben Martin, seeking his first US PGA Tour title, fired a nine-under-par 62 to seize a two-stroke lead after Saturday’s third round of the Shriners Hospitals Open.

Martin made five birdies in a row from the 13th through 17th holes on his way to matching the day’s low round and moving atop the leaderboard on 17 under 196 after 54 holes at TPC Summerlin.

“It was just one of those days when you get in the zone,” Martin said.

“It seemed like every time I grabbed a club it was the perfect number. I was just trying to stay in the moment, trying to engage on every shot.”

Martin took the first 54-hole lead of his PGA career with Scotsman Russell Knox shooting 66 to stand on 198, his second-place position the best of his PGA career as he bids for his first crown.

Americans Jimmy Walker and Andrew Svoboda shared third on 200 with compatriots Scott Piercy, Brooks Koepka, Kevin Streelman and defending champion Webb Simpson sharing fifth on 201.

Martin, who missed the cut last week and in his first two Las Vegas starts, made 9 of 14 fairways and 17 of 18 greens in regulation.

John Senden is the best-placed Australian in a tie for 34th at seven under.