Martin Laird banks a 65 for three-shot lead at Barclays

SCOT Martin Laird fired a six-under 65 to surge into a three-shot lead after yesterday's third round of the Barclays tournament, the opening event of the FedExCup playoff series.

Laird reeled off four birdies in a row from the second hole on the way to a 12-under total of 201.

Overnight leader Jason Day (70) of Australia was in joint second place with long-hitting American Dustin Johnson (64).

Australian Adam Scott (68) was in fourth place on 205.

Tiger Woods posted a triple-bogey seven at the first hole after driving into a car park.

However the world number one, who needs to finish 50th to guarantee his place in next week's FedExCup event, rallied with three birdies on the back nine to shoot a 72 for 210. He was tied 28th before today's final round.

Meanwhile, Justin Rose hopes his Saturday birdie binge at the Barclays came just in time to boost his bid for a berth on the European Ryder Cup team.

Rose registered six birdies in a bogey-free round for a 65 that moved him into contention at Ridgewood Country Club yesterday.