Johnson’s late slip at Tour Championship gives McIlroy a sniff
In-form Dustin Johnson’s late mistake on the 17th hole at the Tour Championship on Saturday allowed his rivals to play catch up, leaving the tournament and the FedEx Cup finely poised ahead of the final day.
The US Open Champion, fresh from victory at the BMW Championship, had looked to be running away with things, holding a four shot lead with just two holes to play at East Lake.
Then on the 17th hole, Johnson clipped a tree shooting out of the rough and ended up with a double bogey, a three-shot swing that threw his nearest rival Kevin Chappell back into the mix after he birdied the same hole.
Johnson recovered with a birdie on the par-five 18th to finish the day at eight under, level with Chappell.
"This course is very difficult off the tee and I missed a couple of drives on the back nine and made a couple of bogeys and a bad double bogey there on 17," said Johnson.
"I'm happy with my position. I felt like I played well today. A couple of loose drives and it's easy to make bogeys around here … so if I make a mistake I don't let it bother me."
Johnson’s late slip also left the door open for FedEx Cup rival Rory McIlroy, who is tied for third place with American Ryan Moore two shots back at six under.
Johnson, the top seed in the FedExCup standings, will win the season-long points race and the US$10 million bonus if he triumphs on Sunday.
McIlroy needs to win and have Johnson finish in a two way tie for second to usurp him from the top of the FedEx pile.
‘‘I just need to try and win this golf tournament, and whatever happens after that, happens,’’ McIlroy said after his round.
‘‘It would just be great to try to win the Tour Championship, and if the chips fall my way, then so be it.’’
Latest
-
NewsJonathan Caldwell goes from working at Nevada Bob’s to winning on European Tour
The Northern Irishman won the inaugural Scandinavian Mixed by a shot.
-
NewsGlory in Gothenburg as Jonathan Caldwell celebrates first European Tour victory
England’s Alice Hewson finished third in the first event to feature men and women competing on the same course for one prize fund and trophy.
-
NewsDave Coupland hoping for more fist pumps after qualifying for US Open
The 35-year-old could have plenty of supporters in the crowd at Torrey Pines.
-
NewsRhys Enoch and Alice Hewson in contention in Gothenburg
Hewson could become the first ever female winner on the European Tour.
-
NewsTiger Woods misses US Open at Torrey Pines but 2008 memories dominate build-up
Woods is recovering at home from the serious leg injuries suffered in a car crash in Los Angeles in February.
-
NewsCaroline Hedwall takes one-shot lead at Scandinavian Mixed
The Swede carded two eagles, five birdies and a solitary bogey at Vallda Golf and Country Club.
-
NewsHighly-rated young British golfer Ben Schmidt signs with White Rose Sports Management
Record-breaking young British golfer Ben Schmidt has chosen White Rose Sports Management to represent as he turns professional.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson primed for another shot at history at Torrey Pines
The American recently became the oldest winner in major championship history.
-
NewsSam Horsfield tied for lead with Christine Wolf at inaugural Scandinavian Mixed
The event is a first on the European Tour as it features 78 men and 78 women competing for one prize fund and one trophy.
-
Dave TindallThe Palmetto Championship: Is Brooks Koepka a poor punt before a Major?
Will the American be distracted ahead of the US Open at Torrey Pines?