Johnson takes control of BMW Championship

Johnson struggled to get anything going early, but he caught fire on the back nine, setting himself up for a chance to earn his third win of the season. The American sits at 18 under, three shots clear of Englishman Paul Casey, after both carded four-under 68s.

Published : Sep 11, 2016 15:39 IST

After birdieing four of his last five holes to end round three, Johnson looks like he is going to exit the BMW atop the FedEx Cup standings.
After birdieing four of his last five holes to end round three, Johnson looks like he is going to exit the BMW atop the FedEx Cup standings.
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After birdieing four of his last five holes to end round three, Johnson looks like he is going to exit the BMW atop the FedEx Cup standings.

Dustin Johnson grabbed a three-shot lead at the BMW Championship after birdieing four holes late in his third round on Saturday. Crooked Stick Golf Club, a Pete Dye design, played tougher in round three with winds up and fairways providing minimal roll. Johnson struggled to get anything going early, but he caught fire on the back nine, setting himself up for a chance to earn his third win of the season.

The American sits at 18 under, three shots clear of Englishman Paul Casey, after both carded four-under 68s. J.B. Holmes is a further shot back, while Roberto Castro slipped to 12 under after a 74 and Adam Scott is joined by Matt Kuchar at 11 under. With the FedEx Cup play-offs winding down, players are jockeying for position trying desperately to make the top 30 and advance to East Lake. 

Rickie Fowler, who shot a one-under 71 on Saturday to get to one over for the tournament, is resting on the 30 mark in the FedEx Cup standings, while he is also desperately trying to impress Davis Love III to earn a Ryder Cup selection for the United States. After birdieing four of his last five holes to end round three, Johnson looks like he is going to exit the BMW atop the FedEx Cup standings.

He has been in full control of his game this week, looks comfortable with the new putter and should be able to run away with this tournament on Sunday. Casey was unable to hold onto his 54-hole lead last week in Boston, but he showed resiliency bouncing back and contending again. He may be more comfortable coming from behind and there is even less pressure considering Johnson is the overwhelming favourite. 

Holmes, like Fowler, is in contention for a Ryder Cup captain's pick, and he may have caught the eye of Love this week with his impressive showing. Quiet Australian Scott sauntered up the leaderboard with a bogey-free five-under 67 on Saturday. He mentioned after the round that he fixed his putting posture, which allowed him to feel more confident with his stroke.

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