GOLF: South Korea's KJ Choi moved to the brink of his first US PGA title, following a career-best day with a one-under par 71 to lead by a stroke after three rounds of the PGA Compaq Classic in New Orleans.

Choi, never better than fourth in 73 career starts on the US tour, suffered a bogey on the final hole but still finished at 12-under par 204 to hold off fast-charging Americans John Rollins and Bryce Molder.

Nerves were not a problem for Choi, who planned a typical night's routine before trying to become the US tour's first Korean winner.

"I will pray, I will eat well, I will sing some songs and I will have a good sleep," he said through an interpreter.

First-round leader Dan Forsman was fourth at 206, one stroke ahead of Billy Andrade and two ahead of five others, including Geoff Ogilvy of Australia.

Molder, last year's US college player of the year, charged into contention with a 69 in just his 10th PGA event. But he faltered down the stretch, bogeying three of his final five holes.