Brandt Jobe, yet to win in a US Tour career covering over 200 events and stretching back to 1987, appeared to feel the pressure after taking a two-stroke lead into the third round of the Buick Invitational in California.
The 40-year-old from Oklahoma bogeyed the third and fourth holes at Torrey Pines to fall back to 10 under par and alongside South African Tim Clark.
The errors boosted the hopes of Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods as they continued their search for a fourth victory in the event.
Mickelson birdied the second, third and long sixth to reach nine under and joint third place with fellow American Lucas Glover, while defending champion Woods turned in a one under 35 and at six under was up to 12th. He has never finished outside the top 10 at the tournament.
Jose Maria Olazabal, down in 105th place after an opening 74, followed up his second round 64 with two more birdies straightaway and after six holes the 2002 winner was in a tie for fifth on eight under.
Alongside him, but more disappointed, was Jesper Parnevik. The Swede, a runner-up at the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic last week, had resumed in joint second place, but bogeyed the second and fourth.
Sergio Garcia had the setback of a double bogey six on the second, but birdied the fifth and sixth to return to seven under and joint eighth.
With eight to play Luke Donald, second the last two years, was in a tie for 52nd spot on one under. Brian Davis was one further behind.
