GREAT EXUMA, Bahamas – Despite isolated showers during the afternoon, 21-year-old Zecheng Dou tallied seven birdies during a third-round, 5-under 67 to take the 54-hole lead at The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic at Sandals Emerald Bay.

Dou leads by three over UNLV product John Oda.

“I played really consistently today obviously and didn’t make any mistakes,” said Dou. “Only two bogeys for the round, which is expected out here. It looks easy on television, but this course is pretty tight and when the wind picks up and the fairways are narrow, it’s tough. I think I’m doing a good job so far.”

Dou played full-time on the Web.com Tour in 2017, competing in 25 events and earning a win at the KC Golf Classic along with a third-place finish.

“I haven’t played in a leader group in about two years, so that will be different,” said Dou. “But thinking about it, I’ve done it before and I won, so I feel more relaxed doing it for the first time. From that week (in Kansas City), I remember telling myself to be patient. Even if I don’t win, I at least want to play well enough to where I won’t be disappointed.”

Dou referred to staying aggressive off the tee as a key to his strong start.

“A lot of tees out here, guys are taking irons off the tee to keep it in play,” said Dou, who turns 22 next week. “But if I have a chance with driver, then I’ll go for it. I don’t like to keep it safe or anything, I like to go for it … It would be a nice gift (to get a win a week before his birthday). I don’t really want to think about it because even playing well next week would be an awesome gift. Two years ago I was playing there on my birthday and finished T3, so that was a pretty good birthday as well.”

After leading the tournament through 36 holes, Oda slipped to second with a third-round 72. The 22-year-old did birdie three out of his final five holes to get back into contention heading into the final round.

Clemson University alum Billy Kennerly tied for the round of the day with a 6-under 66. Kennerly posted three birdies on each nine to ascend the leaderboard and sits T3 entering the final group.

“It’s always nice to be in the hunt,” said Kennerly, whose younger sister Wilton is caddying for him this week. “I’ve been driving it pretty well and wedging it pretty well, which is key around here.”

Willy Wilcox posted his second-consecutive 3-under 69 to remain four shots off the lead at 12-under (T3). The Birmingham native enjoyed an adventurous 13th hole when he flew the green and his ball was suspended in the bushes. Wilcox popped it out with a left-handed stab, chipped up onto the green and made the putt to save bogey.

Play was suspended for 17 minutes in the middle of the round due to heavy rain. Players remained on the course until play resumed.

Final-round tee times will range from 7:20 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. on Wednesday.