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There were whispers that Jordan Spieth was playing himself out of Tour Player of the Year honors.

Then Saturday happened.

The reigning Masters and U.S. Open champion gutted out a 2-under 68 to take the 54-hole lead at the Tour Championship. As a result, he now has the inside track on winning the FedEx Cup and $10 million.

The conditions were less than ideal at East Lake Golf Course in Atlanta, but Spieth navigated through the rain to take the lead at 8 under with a birdie on the par-3 18th hole.

Now THAT'S more like the Spieth fans went crazy for in the spring and summer.

He now has a one-stroke lead over Henrik Stenson and is four shots clear of Rickie Fowler and Paul Casey. Jason Day, who was making a late push for Tour Player of the Year, is eight shots back at even.

Thumbnail photo via John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports Images