Irishman Paul McGinley and the English trio of Lee Westwood, Graeme Storm and Simon Khan were among five players tied for third a shot further back.

BBC: Dodd closed with a two-under-par 70 on Sunday

Montgomerie himself preferred to concentrate publicly at Whistling Straits on the European challenge, which is being led by Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and England's Simon Khan.

BBC: Colin Montgomerie slumps to 83 at USPGA

Looking for his first victory on the Tour since turning pro in 2008, the 25-year-old Wood has the trio of compatriot Simon Khan, Swede Alexander and New Zealander Michael Campbell as his closest challengers going into Saturday's final round.

CNN: Woods charges into lead with 65 on happy hunting ground