Jason Day has turned back to an old faithful putter with great effect to claim a share of the lead going into the final round of the US PGA Tour's opening playoff event.
The 26-year-old Australian rebounded from a couple of big mistakes to shoot a three-under par 68 at Ridgewood Country Club on Saturday, joining American veteran Jim Furyk (69) in a tie at nine-under.
American Hunter Mahan (68) was a shot behind while seven players shared fourth at seven-under.
Fighting to stay in the playoffs next week from his low ranking, Australia's Stuart Appleby (69) was well-placed at three off the pace.
But countryman Adam Scott, the overnight co-leader and defending champion, bombed to a four-over 75, one of the worst scores of the day, to drop back to four-under and a tie for 23rd.
Day, who is ranked 151st in strokes gained putting this season, leads the category this week after reverting to using his 2011 Itsy Bitsy Ghost Spider putter.
While two weeks ago he lost his chance at the US PGA Championship when he missed several birdie putts from close range, Day was back to rolling the ball beautifully on his way to seven birdies.
It helped him overcome playing the two par fives on the back nine in three-over after some wayward shots and a lost ball.
"It feels good in my hands. Hopefully I can keep it rolling it tomorrow," Day said.
"I just went back to what works.
"I had been chopping and changing new putters and also between having lines on my putter because I couldn't see where I was aiming.
"But I have gone back to no line and I am happy about it."
As he did after round two Day headed straight back out after the round to complete practice, looking to ensure he was less wayward off the tee on Sunday.
"Since it's been a stop-start year, to be able to work hard and get yourself into contention for a win here, maybe to even win the FedEx Cup at the end of the playoffs would obviously cap off a great year," he said.
"This is only my 12th start of the year. There's still a lot of good golf ahead of me."
Scott, who played sublime golf in round two, looked anything but crisp.
He won the tournament from six shot back on the final day last year so with five between him and the top he still holds some hope.
"Tomorrow has got to be low and I need to get lucky, but it can happen," Scott said.
"I played completely opposite to yesterday. I drove it in the rough most holes and when I found the fairways I didn't take advantage of it with good shots in."
Appleby split a birdie and bogey across his front nine but came home with a wet sail, making birdies on three of his last six holes.
Steven Bowditch shot 70 to be three under while John Senden had a round to forget, his 74 dropping him towards the back of the pack at even par.
World No.1 Rory McIlroy shot 70 to join Scott at four-under.
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