BMW Championship 2014: Billy Horschel jumps into the lead, Rory McIlroy falls off

There are just five rounds to play in the FedEx Cup playoffs and it’s Billy Horschel atop the standings heading into the final round of the BMW Championship. Horschel fired a 7-under round of 63 on Saturday to jump into the lead at Cherry Hills Country Club and vault to the top of the projected FedEx Cup standings.

Horschel began the day tied for third place. He carded a pair of birdies on the front nine to make the turn in a solid but unspectacular 2-under. He made his charge on the back nine, recording five birdies coming in, including four on his final five holes. He wrapped up with a birdie-birdie finish, moving him to 13-under on the round and three shots clear of the lead. If he’s able to keep that lead and win on Sunday, he would take over the points lead heading into the final event. Not bad for a guy who opened the playoffs in 69th place and dropped even further back after missing the cut at the Barclays.

While many of the leaders posted red numbers in the third round, Rory McIlroy was one of the few contenders who did not. He stumbled from a tie for third to a tie for 10th with a 2-over round of 72. Although he made four birdies, he also carded three bogeys and a dreadful triple bogey. McIlroy had a nine-foot putt for par, only to four-putt for a triple bogey.

Ryan Palmer is alone in second place through 54 holes with Martin Kaymer and Bubba Watson tied for third at 8-under. With the FedEx Cup points leaderboard set to re-order following the event, points and positioning will be at a premium on Sunday. Here is a complete look at the leaderboard following the third round: