Adam Scott has ditched world No.1 thoughts for this week and will focus on the big picture in the final round of the World Golf Championships event in Miami.

Scott’s chance at taking over the world No.1 crown nosedived after round three at Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster after he failed to make a move while Tiger Woods surged.

Needing to win to have any hope of overtaking Woods for top spot, Scott instead settled for a rollercoaster round of even-par 72, leaving him at four-over and eight shots back of the lead in a tie for 21st.

Woods rushed the other way, posting an impressive six-under 66 to rocket up to one-under par for the week, leaving the defending champion tied fourth and just three off the lead.

It was the low round of the week to this point – a good sign for Woods, who guarantees a hold on No.1 if he finishes inside the top five.

Two-time US PGA Tour winner Patrick Reed, at just 23-years-old, is the surprise leader after three rounds with his three-under 69 pushing him to four-under 212 and a two shot buffer.

Americans Jason Dufner (68) and Hunter Mahan (71) share second at two-under.

“It is all about the big picture in mind now,” Scott said after spending over an hour on the range post round fixing the posture of his swing.

“Obviously I’m not thinking about trying to go out and win the golf tournament tomorrow, I’m just trying to get a good score on the board and have everything falling into a good place so I can feel like I’ve taken something out of the week and then know what I need to work on moving forward.”

Scott is trying to peak for his Masters defence in a months time.

He will play one more tournament, the Arnold Palmer Invitational in two weeks time, before returning to Augusta National.

“I think I am in a good spot. The stuff I worked on in the six weeks I had off I am seeing some good results from that,” he said.

“I think I am well on the road. I’d love to be a bit more competitive here but I think with the windy conditions yesterday and a new course it was always going to be a bit of see what you get.

“I feel really comfortable where everything is at and I know it will be in a good spot for Augusta.”

Asian Tour regular Scott Hend shot a 73 to be five-over and tied 28th while Brett Rumford sits dead last after a five-over 77 left him 23-over for the week.