JERSEY CITY, N.J. _ There were a lot of familiar names in the mix Thursday at The Northern Trust. Jordan Spieth, who shot a 4-under 67, certainly fits that description.
But it was a little surprising to see Spieth play so well because of what happened in his last competitive round. Spieth entered last weekend in contention at the Wyndham Championship, before ejecting from the tournament with a 77 to miss the secondary cut.
That disastrous round changed Spieth's perspective heading into the FedEx Cup playoffs: instead of trying to win, his usual goal, he just wanted to play well enough to advance to next week.
"I came in, honestly, off of Saturday last week, searching a bit, and really thinking about just playing some solid golf to make sure I get two chances at trying to work my way into contention," said Spieth, who entered Thursday at 69th in the FedEx Cup standings. The top 70 in the standings after The Northern Trust advance to next week's BMW Championship at Medinah near Chicago.
The top 30 in the standings after the BMW will advance to the Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta.
"I mean, that's the ultimate goal for me," Spieth said. "If I were to make it to East Lake at this point, it means I play some really solid golf these next two weeks."
He's off to a good start. A made cut would ensure his spot in the BMW. But if Spieth plays well again Friday and gets himself into contention, he might adjust his goals.
"If I can have another couple solid rounds by the time it gets to Sunday, that certainly changes" Spieth said. "And it goes into trying to win this golf tournament."
