Honda Classic leader Daniel Berger ties largest 54-hole advantage in event history

Daniel Berger wasn't flawless. He just kept avoiding big problems, which almost nobody has managed to do at PGA National this week.

That's why he remains the leader of the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Berger started with a three-shot lead and ended with a five-shot advantage, after his round of 1-under 69 moved him 18 holes away from winning a tournament a 15-minute drive from his home.

"I've played some great golf, but the challenge is still ahead, 18 more holes," Berger said. "I've got to stay focused on playing another great round tomorrow and if I can do that then I'll be holding the trophy at the end of the day."

At 11-under 199, Berger's 54-hole lead matches the largest in tournament history. The Honda winner has held at least a share of the lead after 54 holes on 10 of the previous 15 events at PGA National.

Shane Lowry (67), Chris Kirk (71), Sepp Straka (69) and first-round leader Kurt Kitayama (71) were tied for second at 6 under.

Only 13 of the 73 players who made the cut shot below par Saturday. Nobody went low, and unless Berger starts making many mistakes, somebody is going to have to on Sunday in order to deny him a fifth PGA Tour victory.

Lowry had the day's best round, and that was just 3 under.

"I've drove the ball in play, and I've managed to putt pretty good," Lowry said. "My putting felt pretty average at the start of the week. I found something as the week went on."

He needs to find something more.

Or more specifically, hope that Berger misplaces something.

"Obviously, you want to go out and catch him tomorrow, but I don't think you can go and catch anyone on this golf course," Lowry said. "You just need to do your thing and shoot the best score you can and hopefully it will be somewhere