Johnson, who finished tied for second last year at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia was one of four players in a share of the lead at the end of day two.

Owing to inclement weather on the first day, the second round was completed early today before the third round was played and completed to get the tournament back on schedule.

Johnson's seven-under-par round of 65, which enabled him to get to 16-under-par featured no dropped shots and an eagle on the second hole.

The American carded birdies on the 3rd, 4th, 7th, 13th and 15th holes as he took control as his rivals faltered.

Johnson's closest challengers sit at 12-under-par - Korea's Sungjae Im, Mexico's Abraham Ancer and Australia's Cameron Smith.

One shot further back in fifth place is South Africa's Dylan Frittelli at 11-under-par, after he shot a five-under 67, the joint second best round of the day.

In sixth place is American Justin Thomas, the world number three, at 10-under-par.

One shot further back in a tie for seventh place sit Colombia's Sebastian Munoz, American Patrick Reed and Spain's Jon Rahm, the world number two.

The tee times for the final round have been brought forward to minimise clashes with National Football League (NFL) matches in the United States, meaning leader Johnson and his playing partners Ancer and Im tee-off from the first hole at 9.29am local time.

With good weather forecast, barring unforeseen circumstances, the winner of the Green Jacket will be crowned tomorrow.