HARRISON, N.Y. (Aug. 25, 2007) - Steve Stricker leads the first ever FedEx Cup tournament heading into the final round of The Barclays. Hunter Mahan tied the course record at Westchester Country Club with a 9-under 62. But the most exciting golfer in the field is Ernie Els.

Els had his fourth eagle of the tournament in the third round. He can’t remember the last time he’s had this many eagles in a single tournament because it’s been forever. Els finally seems to be recovered from the knee injury that’s dogged him for two full years though and golf fans can be thankful.

In a tournament with every top 30 player in it not named Tiger Woods, Els is the one you cannot take your eyes off. You never know when he’s going to throw a thunderbolt at the flag, like the out-of-nowhere eagle on No. 18 Saturday to save an otherwise sputtering round.

Els has his distance, averaging 283 yards per drive (11th best in the field) on a course where going too long can be hazardous to your score. His putting has been wilder than wild (tied for 66 in putting average in a tournament where only 74 golfers made the cut). That’s keeping Els from being closer than five shots back of Stricker. Still even when he has four three putts as Els did on Friday, he’s the best entertainment out here.

Even when he’s answering reporter questions with four one-word replies in three minutes, he manages to do it amusingly. Els favorite word? “Exactly.”

For more on the FedEx Cup’s first, remember to stay tuned to the front of WorldGolf.com. Sunday morning, you’ll hear about the ghosts Stricker brings into the final round, how close Mahan came to being disqualified before he ever shot that 62 and Els’ view on American-style playoffs.

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