Snedeker makes strong push to move into lead

ATLANTA — Brandt Snedeker gave himself the opportunity he wanted in the FedEx Cup. He also has the company he expected.

Steady hand: Brandt Snedeker putts on the 16th hole during the third round of the Tour Championship. AP

Snedeker played one of his best rounds this year at just the right time Saturday, making a collection of tough putts and relying on his short game to pick up a couple of other birdies on his way to a 6-under 64 that gave him a share of the lead with Justin Rose in the Tour Championship.

That means he now only has to win Sunday at East Lake to claim the FedEx Cup and its $10 million prize, the richest payoff in golf.

So does Rory McIlroy, who was only three shots out of the lead.

Ditto for Tiger Woods, four shots behind.

The Tour Championship has never had so much at stake for so many top players.

"It's going to be one of the most exciting Sundays of the year," McIlroy said after a 68. "Great to be in the mix."

McIlroy, who won the last two FedEx Cup playoff events, had his 11th consecutive round in the 60s. Woods salvaged an important par after his shot ricocheted off a Georgia pine and wound up with a 67.

Snedeker, McIlroy and Woods were among the top five seeds coming into the Tour Championship, giving each the best shot at the $10 million because they only have to win the Tour Championship no matter what anyone else does at East Lake.

They won't be the only players with a chance to win at least one trophy — the Tour Championship — on Sunday. Rose will be in the final group with Snedeker, and while it's unlikely he can win the FedEx Cup, the Englishman surely would settle for his second win of the year against a strong field.

"I have the advantage of just playing the Tour Championship," said Rose, who won a World Golf Championship at Doral in March. "The whole year, we've been grinding for the FedEx Cup, and it's still possible. It's not an easy golf course. Things can happen out there. But for me, it's about one tournament."

Snedeker and Rose were at 8-under 202.

Ryan Moore spoiled his round with a bogey on the 17th and still had a 65, putting him alone in third at 6 under.

Jim Furyk, the 36-hole leader, was tied for the lead until he pulled his tee shot into the water on the 17th, hit the next tee shot into the gallery, his fourth shot into a bunker and made triple bogey that sent him tumbling down to a 72. He was still in the mix at 205, along with McIlroy and Masters champion Bubba Watson, who had a double bogey on the 16th hole and shot 70.

Typical of the FedEx Cup playoffs, there was plenty of star power in contention, with 11 of the top 14 players on the leaderboard headed to the Ryder Cup next week.

For now, the attention shifts in a big way to the $10 million payoff.

"My first goal for this week is achieved," Snedeker said. "And that is to have a chance going into Sunday. It should be a lot of fun."

Snedeker also shot a 64 in the second round of the British Open at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, though he rated this one as better. There was no wind at Lytham, and the conditions were relatively soft. East Lake demanded a crisp game as the wind rustled pine branches and the greens became firm.

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