Reed in position to end his victory drought
Patrick Reed handled the strong gusts and a Liberty National course starting to dry out with a 4-under 67 that gave him a one-shot lead over Abraham Ancer of Mexico going into the final round of The Northern Trust in Jersey City, N.J.
Reed has not won since the 2018 Masters, though it hasn't been a lack of trying. He has played 41 times worldwide since his major victory, including a pair of team events. He says he is getting closer and just needs some good scores, and he has them this week.
“It's close and it feels good,” Reed said. “Feels like this has been coming for some time, and now it's just go out and stick to the game plan tomorrow and hopefully Sunday we have a chance to win the golf tournament.”
Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth, playing in the final group, faltered.
Johnson, twice a winner of this FedEx Cup playoffs opener, didn't make a birdie until the 10th hole, and then saw his round fall apart with four bogeys over the last six holes for a 74 that dropped him five shots behind.
Spieth began his round by hitting his tee shot into the water, lost ground and momentum with a sloppy double bogey – his first of the week – from the fairway on No. 7 and recorded only two birdies in his round of 74.
It was his second straight Saturday swoon, and this one could be costly. He is No. 69 in the FedEx Cup, and a strong finish this week could help salvage his season with a trip to East Lake for the FedEx Cup finale.
LPGA Tour: Thailand's Moriya Jutanugarn shot a four-under 67 to take a one-stroke lead after the third round of the Ladies Scottish Open in North Berwick, Scotland.
Overnight leader Mi Jung Hur returned a 70 to share second place on 15under-par 198 with fellow South Korean Jeongeun Lee, who went round in 66 at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian.
Symetra Tour: Robynn Ree fired a 66 in the second round and has a four-shot lead heading into the final round of the PHC Classic at Brown Deer Golf Course.