Northern Trust 2017: Jordan Spieth Takes 3-Stroke Lead After Strong Performance

Jordan Spieth found himself alone at the top of the Northern Trust Open leaderboard on Saturday at the Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury, New York, shooting a six-under 64. 

That left him at 12-under for the tournament and three strokes ahead of Dustin Johnson, while Paul Casey, Patrick Reed, Jon Rahm and Matt Kuchar each found themselves five strokes back. Keegan Bradley (-6), Kevin Chappell (-5) and Justin Rose (-5) rounded out the top of the leaderboard. 

Things didn't start well for Spieth, as he bogeyed No. 1. He responded with birdies on Nos. 3, 5, 7 and 8, however, before closing his back nine with another bogey on No. 9.

The PGA Tour shared several of those birdies from the front nine:

The back nine went even better for Spieth, as he notched birdies on Nos. 10, 14, 15 and 16.

It was a far more disappointing day for Jhonattan Vegas and Rickie Fowler, who were co-leaders coming into Saturday. Vegas now finds himself eight strokes back after stumbling to a 72, while Fowler is 10 strokes back after shooting a 74.

They weren't the only players who saw Spieth leave them in the dust, however. His huge round left Johnson as the only player who would appear to have a good chance of catching him, barring a major meltdown.

If Johnson can improve on his 67 from Saturday, he'll put plenty of pressure on Spieth. He certainly feels he's within striking distance.

"Let’s be honest here—I’d rather have a three-shot lead," Johnson acknowledged, per the Associated Press. "But it’s not that bad coming from three shots back, either, because that can change in one hole, really. But obviously, Jordan is playing really well, so he’s going to be tough to beat tomorrow... If I can drive it well again tomorrow and maybe hole a couple putts, maybe some of his putting will rub off on me and I’ll start holing them."

But Spieth is more than aware of the shaky ground his three-stroke lead affords him, and he isn't taking anything for granted, even if he likes the position he finds himself in as he seeks a fourth win this season.

"It's easier to win from that position (out in front)," Spieth told Kyle Porter of CBS Sports. "You have an advantage on the field. Anything can happen on a Sunday. You go out and try to set a goal. After the last two days I'm not expecting 5- or 6-under. If I can hit 15, 16 greens like I've been doing and give myself opportunities... the putter is heating up."

And that isn't great news for the rest of the field.