Fowler leads as Ryder Cup race intensifies

American Olympic teammates Rickie Fowler and Patrick Reed will have one eye on victory and another on the Ryder Cup in the final round of The Barclays on New York's Long Island.

Fowler has a one-stroke lead over his compatriot after yesterday morning's (Singapore time) third round, in the first of four events making up the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup play-off series.

Extending his bogey-free streak to 45 holes, Fowler (below) sank a four-foot birdie at the last to edge ahead with a three-under 68 on the tough Bethpage Black course in Farmingdale.

He posted a nine-under 204 total, while overnight leader Reed carded a 71 to sit alone in second place. Australian Adam Scott (65) was a further shot adrift on seven under after finding his putting touch to post the lowest round of the tournament.

Scott was also helped on his way when he holed out for an eagle from 95 yards at the first hole.

As well as the Barclays victory, Fowler and Reed are vying for Ryder Cup selection.

TOP EIGHT QUALIFY

The top eight on the points list automatically make the American team to face holders Europe in five weeks' time.

Reed is currently eighth, with Fowler four places below.

Fowler probably needs a top-three finish in the event to lock down a spot and avoid having to sweat out banking on being called up as one of captain Davis Love's four wild-card picks.

"I think it's pretty simple. We've just got to go take care of business tomorrow," Fowler said.

Fowler's long game has been far from perfect this week, but he acknowledged his short game had allowed him to move ahead.

Reed, meanwhile, battled a wayward driver on the front nine, but remained in contention.

"My tee shots were off, hanging right," he said. "Felt like I got absolutely nothing out of my round. Any time I tried to hit my draw, seemed like it went right. That's really the only thing I feel like I need to fix." - Reuters.