Monday 28 August 2017 02:03, UK
Jordan Spieth will take a three-shot lead into the final round of The Northern Trust after carding a six-under-par 64 to set up a fascinating final round battle with Dustin Johnson.
The three-time major winner produced a composed display at Glen Oaks, a new venue on the PGA Tour, in which the American mixed eight birdies with two bogeys.
Spieth's nearest challenger is compatriot Johnson after the world No 1 moved to nine-under-par with a three-under 67 with Paul Casey, Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed and Matt Kuchar two shots further back.
The 24-year-old from Texas, who has won twice on the PGA Tour outside of winning The Open at Royal Birkdale, opened with a bogey but responded with four birdies on the front nine before a second dropped shot at the par-4 ninth hole after a disappointing three putt.
Spieth then enjoyed a faultless back nine which saw him card four further birdies including three on the spin from the 14th to take charge in New York.
"I've been striking the ball well this year," Spieth told Sky Sports. "Today was about the most committed I've been finishing a round - Michael (Greller, his caddie) said ever - and I agreed with him.
"(We) committed to targets that were away from holes, knowing I'm in the lead and knowing the putter is getting hotter each putt I hit. That last six-hole stretch I played beautiful golf."
Johnson, who started the week 4th in the FedExCup standings, mixed four birdies - including one at the 18th following a stunning wedge approach - and a solitary bogey at the par-4 eighth.
Casey, who has enjoyed a steady season on the PGA Tour without winning a title, carded a four-under 66 while Reed, who is also chasing a maiden PGA Tour win this year, matched the score in a blemish-free third round.
Matt Kuchar, who carded a six-under 64 on Friday, posted a two-under 68 despite beginning bogey-bogey while Spaniard Jon Rahm, the world No 8, carded a three-under 67 to finish seven-under-par.
Keegan Bradley, who won the PGA Championship back in 2011, went round in a blemish-free four-under 66 to finish at six-under-par while Kevin Chappell was the biggest mover of the day after a six-under 64 moved him to five-under which is where Justin Rose finished after a one-under 69.
Watch The Northern Trust throughout the week live on Sky Sports Golf. Live coverage continues on Sunday from 5pm.
