ATLANTA, Ga. (June 26, 2014) — Trey Rule of Mercer University fired a 9-under 63 on Friday at the Dogwood Invitational and leads by one.

Rule’s round was the lowest turned in during the third-round at Druid Hills Golf Club, and he sits at 19-under 197 for the tournament.

The 63 included 12 birdies, three bogeys, and notably only three pars. After spreading five birdies and three bogeys on his card on the front nine to post a 34, he played near-perfect golf on the back nine, making seven birdies and two pars to shoot 29.

Rule has made 26 birdies so far in the tournament, compared to only 21 pars and seven bogeys. He has eaten up Druid Hills’ par-4s, going 15-under on those 30 holes, while only managing to shoot 6-under on the course’s par-5s.

Rule leads second-round leader Zach Seabolt of Winthrop by a stroke, after Seabolt posted a blemish-free 7-under 65. The round included five birdies and an eagle on the par-5 7th hole.

Seabolt’s second-round co-leader Davin White of Georgia State dropped back to fifth place on Friday, only managing a 4-under 68. He is currently 15-under for the tournament.

Defending champion Michael Johnson of Auburn posted a second consecutive 5-under 67 in the third round, moving up to a tie for 26th. At 6-under 210 for the tournament and 13 strokes behind Rule, he is not in contention heading into the final round.

The Dogwood Invitational cut the field to the low 40 and ties after Friday’s third round, and 43 players finished at 4-under 212 or better.

Results can be seen at the link below, as well as live scoring for Saturday’s final round.