DJ, Matsuyama Share 54-Hole Lead at the BMW

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Hideki Matsuyama Dustin Johnson BMW Championship
Hideki Matsuyama hits the ball from the 17th fairway, as Dustin Johnson looks on, during the third round of the BMW Championship on the North Course at Olympia Fields CC on Aug 29, 2020 in Olympia Fields, IL. Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Dustin Johnson and Hideki Matsuyama shot matching 69s on Saturday and will enter the final round of the BMW Championship sharing a two-shot lead.

Entering the third day at Olympia Fields, Johnson and Matsuyama were deadlocked at even-par 140, but after five holes, the 28 year old Japanese found himself four clear of his American counterpart after a sizzling 3-under start, coupled with a 1-over for DJ.

As Matsuyama cooled off, though, DJ got hot and erased the four-stroke deficit over the final 13 holes to grab a share the marquee at 1-under par.

Dustin Johnson BMW Championship
Dustin Johnson and his caddie/brother, Austin, at the 17th green during the third round of the BMW Championship on the North Course at Olympia Fields CC on Aug 29, 2020 in Olympia Fields, IL. Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images

“It felt like I played really solid. Hit a lot of greens, had a lot of good looks at birdie. Even hit a lot of really good putts that I thought were going in,” said Johnson, who is looking to go back to back in the playoffs.

“Had a few lip-outs there, but all in all, it was a really solid day in tough conditions, and obviously this golf course is very difficult.”

After his round, Matsyuama, who is searching for his first win since the 2017 WGC-Bridgestone, said, “I played great these three days, so I just need to hit the ball well tomorrow and putt well and see where I’m at.”

Hideki Matsuyama BMW Championship
Hideki Matsuyama plays his shot from the 16th tee during the third round of the BMW Championship on the North Course at Olympia Fields CC on Aug 29, 2020 in Olympia Fields, IL. Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

A trio compromised of Joaquin Niemann (68), Adam Scott (70), and Mackenzie Hughes (69) were tied for third on 1-over par.

Overnight co-leader Rory McIlroy shot a 73 and was part of a six-player logjam at T6 on 2-over par. Jon Rahm (66) and Bubba Watson (70) were some of the other names in that group.

Top-5 Leaders

Pos-Player-To Par (Rd 3)
1. Dustin Johnson -1 (-1)
1. Hideki Matsuyama -1 (-1)
3. Joaquin Niemann +1 (-2)
3. Adam Scott +1 (E)
3. Mackenzie Hughes +1 (-1)

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