DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — Former UNA golfer Carter Goodwin had a seven-shot lead heading into the third round of the 58th Daikin Spirit of America Golf Classic.

He maintained that lead after round 3, but Guntersville native Paul Bruce and Hartselle native Ryley Heath crept a little closer to Goodwin’s lead.

Goodwin started off the round one over after the front nine but bounced back to finish one under by the end of the day.

“Front nine. It was just grinding it out, just having to stay really patient,” he said. “He didn’t make the same kind of that I did yesterday. Think the back nine is a lot easier out here. So I think there’s more opportunities.”

As for Heath, he started off hot shooting three under through the front nine, but the back nine was a little more challenging.

“Things kind of slowed up on the back, but I think I’m in a good position for tomorrow and I’m just trying to stay patient,” Heath said.

Heath currently sits in third place.

Bruce, on the other hand, has shot better each day that he has played.

On Friday, he shot three under putting him in second place behind Goodwin on the leaderboard.

“This nine holes of golf last year. It’s a very tough, tough nine. And so I’ve got to give myself a little chance at this one. Green six players and then I got the back nine and I kind of got a little wayward off the tee. But, you know, I managed to keep it in between one and then kind of make a few, you know, grind it for a few hours,” said Bruce.

Goodwin, Bruce and Heath all have similar mindsets heading into the final round and that is to stay patient.

“It’s kind of the same thing as yesterday, just taking it one shot at a time and not really doing anything different,” said Goodwin.

“Just keep doing what I’m doing and stay patient and take advantage of the holes that I can take advantage of. Don’t try to force anything,” said Heath.

The final round of the 58th Daikin Spirit of America Golf Classic starts Saturday.

And we will see if Goodwin can hold onto that lead or if Bruce, Heath or maybe another golfer overtakes him.