Fowler leads in the Big Apple but Scot Laird has another win in his sights
SCOT Martin Laird is hot on the heels of leader Rickie Fowler following last night’s third round of The Barclays at Bethpage Black.
Fowler carded a flawless 68 at the feared New York course to finish on nine-under-par, a shot ahead of fellow American Patrick Reed.
Former world No. 1 Adam Scott is a shot further back after surging through the field with a superb 65, with Laird and Argentina’s Emiliano Grillo on six-under.
Fowler came into the first FedEx Cup play-off event 12th in the Ryder Cup standings, with the top eight this evening securing their place in the US team to face Europe at Hazeltine next month.
The 27-year-old is on course for a third appearance in the event after amazingly dropping just one shot in the first 54 holes on one of the hardest courses in the world.
“It’s nice at any tournament and you come to a place like this and it’s a true test,” Fowler said. “It’s no joke. My one bogey was a more than 180 (degrees) lip-out and it’s cool to think I was that close to being bogey-free through 54.
“It was nice to see some putts go in today. This place is a challenge, one of – if not the
– toughest course we play throughout the year. You have to be on all parts of your game and especially driving the ball.”
Laird, who is seeking a fourth PGA Tour title and his first since 2013, said: “That was by far the best round of the week tee to green.
“I’m not unhappy with 69, although it could have been three or four better. But overall any time you shoot in the 60s round this course you are pretty happy, especially when the wind is blowing.”
World No. 1 Jordan Spieth remains in contention after a 70 left him four shots off the lead, with Jordan Spieth on threeunder and Rory McIlroy a shot further back.
McIlroy started his third round with three birdies in the first five holes, but played the last 10 in two-over par and had to settle for a 71.
Laird’s fellow Scot, Russell Knox, aiming to be one of Darren Clarke’s Ryder Cup picks on Tuesday, slumped to a 76 to stand at five-over in a tie for 67th.
GARY MARKS took a five-shot lead at the Willow Senior Golf Classic yesterday after a nineunder-par second round of 63 at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club.
Trailing Marks on nine-under are South African James Kingston and Scotland’s Ross Drummond.