Scott is three shots behind American leader Rickie Fowler after firing a five-under-par 67, with Smith also carding a six-birdie 67 to be five off the pace at The Summit Club.

Seeking his first victory in almost three barren years, Fowler hit all 18 greens in regulation in a sublime ball-striking round of 63.

He vaulted to 21 under par, two clear of former world No.1 Rory McIlroy, who shot the low round of the day, a sizzling 10-under 62.

Scott three-putted from the fringe at the last, forced to settle for a disappointing par and miss out on a place in Sunday's final group with Fowler and McIlroy.

Mexican Abraham Ancer instead took that tee slot with a 63 to share third position with Scott and American Robert Streb (65).

Third-round leader Keith Mitchell, who started the day five shots clear of the field, is now four adrift of Fowler after a 73.

With Mitchell at 17 under is Englishman Tyrrell Hatton (67), one stroke better than countryman Ian Poulter (67) and Smith who are in a tie for eighth.

"Tomorrow's going to be a bit of a shootout, seeing the guys that are up there and the scores that have been shot this week," Fowler said after rattling in nine birdies on moving day.

Predicting 27 under to be the winning total, Scott suspected he'd need to shoot 63 on Sunday to seriously contend.

"Realistically, it's going to be that. I mean, if it's not Rickie getting up there, Rory's right behind," he said.

"You can make a couple eagles with four good swings of the club.

"It's all there for the taking out here so one of these top players is going to shoot a great round tomorrow."

Chasing his 15th PGA Tour win, Scott lamented not taking advantage of the par-5s in round three.

"That's kind of costly around here. I played them in even (par). So if I'm critical, I've left a few out there.

"But there was still lots of good stuff in the bag. I managed to stay within shouting distance of the leader so, tee off tomorrow, it would be nice to get off to a hot start. I haven't done that yet this week."

Smith was disappointed he didn't hole more putts.

"I hit the ball really good. Still a bit of a frustrating day," he said.

"I know everyone was kind of going low there and definitely left a few out there for sure.

"Just need those putts to drop and I'm sure I'll be right up there."

Matt Jones is the next-best Australian in a share of 36th after climbing to 11 under with a third-round 66.

Marc Leishman (70) is seven under, Cam Davis (74) four under and Jason Day (72) one under and equal second-last in the 78-man, no-cut field.

Australian Associated Press