Rob McClellan has been climbing the leaderboard since the start of the 44th PGA Professional National Championship on Sunday.

Carding the best round on Tuesday has certainly helped him as well.

McClellan followed up Monday’s success with a 5-under-par 66, which moved the Butler Country Club professional into a tie for third place at 212, just two strokes behind the leader entering the final round today.

The top 20 after that round will advance to the PGA Championship, which will be held Aug. 11-14 at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek Ga.

McClellan is 10-under par, nine of which came over the past two rounds.

McClellan had seven birdies and two bogeys on Tuesday after a four- birdie, no-bogey effort on Monday.

“Last year was my first year playing (in the Championship) and I was a little naive,” said McClellan in a press release. “This year I felt a lot more comfortable and set my goals higher.”

Scott Erdmann of Tigard, Ore. moved into first place with a 69 and a three-round total of 202 and Sean Dougherty of Overland Park, Kan. is at 203 after a 72 Tuesday.

McClellan is set to tee off at 12:50 p.m. today.