Watson finished 5 under, built on a strong opening five holes. Phil Mickelson faded after being an early leader. Jason Day completed a good round despite early problems with his balky back.
MORE: FedEx Cup winners | Spieth favored | Players to watch | Jason Day’s day
Favorite Jordan Spieth was among the day’s disappointments. His round began with two birdies on the back nine but collapse after the turn.
Spieth, the world’s No. 1 golfer, had five bogeys and a double bogey over his final nine holes.
It was not pretty, despite a few moments when Spieth made highlight shots.
Watson, No. 3 in FedEx Cup standings entering the Barclays, was outstanding. Still, Camilo Villegas was a stroke up on him before slipping back to a tie for first. Spencer Levin also finished 18 holes with a 65.
It could have been better: Sitting at 7 under, Watson bogeyed two of his last four holes.
The afternoon wave also provided good scores, including a 4 under by former FedEx Cup champion Henrik Stenson through six holes.
The top 100 players in FedEx Cup points will advance to the competition’s second tournament, the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston. Spieth is in no danger of missing the cut, but he got a humility lesson with Thursday’s round.
Here is the leaderboard; all times ET.
