At least it’s familiar territory for Jason Day.
For his third big tournament in a row, Day is right in the mix as he chases victory – and the $10 million Fed Ex Cup bonus – on the US PGA Tour.
The 26-year-old Australian surrendered his share of the lead on Sunday but he’s only two shots behind front-runner Russell Henley going into the final round of the Deutsche Bank Championship on Monday (Tuesday AEST).
Henley shot six-under 65 at TPB Boston to take a one-shot lead from fellow American Billy Horschel (67) at 12 under in the second FedEx Cup playoffs tournament.
But the greatest stumbling block for Day (69) could be world No.1 and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy who had a 64 to be tied with the Australian and Chris Kirk at 10-under.
The 25-year-old McIlroy won this event in 2012 and is in peerless form, boasting three wins in his last four starts including the PGA Championship.
“It feels like it’s what I’m supposed to do,” McIlroy said after his seven-birdie round.
“It’s my job to go out there and shoot good scores.
“I’m not getting too excited about it. I’ve got a lot of work to do tomorrow if I want to try to win this tournament.”
Day was well on track with four birdies in his third round before bogeys at 14th and 15th slowed his momentum on Sunday.
He was right in the hunt at the PGA Championship before his putting let him down in the final round and he did little wrong when tied second behind fast-finishing Hunter Mahan at the playoffs opener a week ago.
Day has made no secret of his ambition to win the season-long points race for the FedEx Cup and lift the trophy and its prize money after the fourth and final playoff event, the Tour Championship.
A win on Monday would put him among the favourites to do that.
Meanwhile, Day’s countryman Geoff Ogilvy continued a great late season resurgence.
Ogilvy, who was the last to qualify for this week’s event at No.100 in the standings, shot 65 on Sunday to climb into an 11th-place tie with projects him to No.74 in the standings.
“Everything is a bonus,” said Ogilvy. “I mean this time last week I was going home or I was home. I was content with that.”
