Marcus Fraser edged closer to capturing the single biggest pay cheque of his fledgling professional career after moving to within five strokes of the lead at the Dunhill Links Championship.

The 26-year old Corowa-born golfer carded a superb five under par 67 in cold and blustery conditions on the Kingsbarns course, one of three venues playing host to the $US5 million ($A6.88 million) event.

The England Ryder Cup trio of Luke Donald, Ian Poulter and David Howell, along with Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell, hold down the top four places.

Donald, chasing a third win in nine starts in Europe, carded a 68 at Carnoustie to move to 17-under par and two clear of both Poulter and Howell who are on 15-under par after their respective rounds of 65 and 71, also at Carnoustie.

McDowell later joined Poulter and Howell after signing off for a 67 at the Kingsbarns course.

Scotland's Stephen Gallacher is next best on 14-under par and two clear of a group of players including world No.2 Ernie Els, who carded a 68 at Carnoustie and then admitted he has an outside chance of winning for a second week running.

Fraser, who is contesting his 24th tournament in Europe this year, birdied three holes in succession from his 15th to set up the chance for a STG445,000 ($A1.09 million) final round windfall.

"I really played well today and to birdie three of my last four holes was the key today," he said.

"I made a couple of soft bogeys in pretty difficult windy conditions but at the end of the day it got a lot easier with the wind dropping.

"I can't wait for tomorrow and with this being one of the biggest tournaments on the Tour, there is the added bonus if you play well."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP