Dustin showing new drive

Dustin Johnson isn’t just dealing with Long Island traffic in a courtesy car this week. He is also breaking in a new driver.

The U.S. Open winner noted that he noticed a few cracks on the top of his driver’s face sometime after he failed to make the cut during the PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club a month ago.

“Any swing now, it’s going to go,” he said. “I’m getting used to (the new driver). I mean, it’s good. It’s not the same, but still, just one other thing I’ve got to deal with this week.”

Johnson jumped into contention in Round 3 when he shot 4-under Saturday. He is at 4-under for the tournament, five shots off the lead in a tie for 10th.

He maintained that he was working his way back into a playing mentality after choosing not to play in the Olympics. “Just rust,” he said. “Real rusty.” In regards to his poor performance at the PGA Championship, Johnson traced the roots of his high scores to the tees and accepted the blame from there.

“I never really got that comfortable off the tees there,” he said. “Just didn’t hit it very good. Didn’t putt good. Didn’t do anything very good.”

PHIL’S FADE

Phil Mickelson started his third round with an early flurry — four birdies in the opening seven holes — but completed his day with a flop when he bogeyed No. 17 and double bogeyed No. 18.

“To give away three shots in two holes is disappointing,” he said. “Today was an opportunity I probably let slide a little bit.”

SPIETH SPUTTERS

Jordan Spieth, a two-time major winner, couldn’t get out of neutral Saturday, and finally fell into reverse with two holes to go.

Spieth birdied No. 4 right after bogeying No. 3, and hit all pars thereon, save for the double bogey that dropped him from 4-under to 2-under.

That double bogey came on a putt that rolled just right of the hole at 17. Spieth saluted the crowd, but recognized the toll taken on that hole. His birdie at No. 18 helped soothe the sting.