Dustin Johnson took control of the Northern Trust with a 7-under-par 64, while Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy endured a difficult third round.
The two-time FedEx Cup playoff champion and former world No. 1 was almost flawless as he extended his advantage to five strokes at TPC Boston on Saturday. Johnson, who was 15th in the FedEx Cup standings prior to the opening playoff event for 2020 — surged clear thanks to an eagle, six birdies and just one bogey.
This camera angle
— THE NORTHERN TRUST (@TheNTGolf) August 22, 2020
A 40-foot eagle putt on his final hole gives @DJohnsonPGA a five-shot lead. pic.twitter.com/86tnXG87vB
He holed a 40-foot eagle at the last to improve to 22 under through 54 holes, ahead of Harris English (66) and Scottie Scheffler (67). Louis Oosthuizen (68) is 15 under, while Harry Higgs (66), Daniel Berger (67) and Danny Lee (69) are a stroke further back following Day 3.
MORE: Rory cards two triple bogeys in Round 3
Defending champion Patrick Reed shot a third-round 68 to be 16 strokes off the pace and tied for 51st, a shot behind 2017 FedEx Cup winner Justin Thomas (71).
It was a tough day for Woods and McIlroy as the star pair continued to struggle on tehe.
"Oh no." pic.twitter.com/XEsvKtycQt
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 22, 2020
After opening with a 68, 15-time major champion Woods has posted consecutive rounds in the 70s following Saturday's 2-over 73. Five bogeys and just three birdies left Woods 1 under for the tournament and out of contention.
Former world No. 1 McIlroy is a shot worse off following his 3-over 74, which consisted of two triple bogeys, one of which came after his chip shot rolled backward into the water on the second hole.