PARAMUS, N.J. — Bryson DeChambeau stood in the late-afternoon sunlight on the 18th green at Ridgewood Country club, drew his putter back and sent the ball on its way.

When it curled into the right side of the cup, the crowd roared and DeChambeau pumped his right fist.

Saturday at The Northern Trust started with DeChambeau as a bit of an afterthought, lost on a leaderboard crowded with accomplished players.

But it ended with the young American poised for the kind of win that could change his career.

DeChambeau shot an 8-under 63 on Saturday, taking full command of The Northern Trust. He used a superb day of ball-striking and putting to take a four-shot lead over Keegan Bradley into the final round, as American stars Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson faded.

“This is the first time I’ve had a four-shot lead in a PGA Tour event (heading into) the final round,” DeChambeau said. “For me, it’s just going to be doing the same thing I’ve always done my whole entire life. Like my coach has said to me, fairways and greens. Just if you hit all fairways and all greens and you two-putt, maybe make a couple putts, it’s going to be tough to beat.”

With a win, DeChambeau would secure the first multi-win season of his career and become the favorite to win the FedEx Cup. This event is the first round of the four-round playoffs.

He would also almost certainly lock up a spot on his first Ryder Cup team. DeChambeau finished ninth in the standings, missing automatically qualifying by one spot. A win here would surely compel American captain Jim Furyk to use one of his picks on DeChambeau.

DeChambeau was not the only one who played well at Ridgewood on Saturday. Bradley shot a course-record-tying 62, hitting all 18 greens.

Cameron Smith shot 6-under 65 and is five shots back at 11-under par with Tony Finau, who also shot 6-under.

Also Saturday

Henderson takes lead at CP Women’s Open: REGINA, Saskatchewan — Brooke Henderson fought through gusting wind at Wascana Country Club in pursuit of a breakthrough home victory. The 20-year-old Canadian star shot a 2-under 70 in clear and cool conditions to reach 14-under 202 and take a one-stroke lead. “Very exciting,” Henderson said. “These crowds this week have been totally amazing, and I’ve been playing well for them, so I’m happy about that.” Jocelyne Bourassa is the only Canadian to win the national championship, accomplishing the feat in 1973 at Montreal Municipal in the inaugural La Canadienne. “To win the national championship at home, it’s truly amazing, especially in front of these crowds. I definitely will hope to be somewhat like her tomorrow and be able to finish the job.”

Sutherland shoots 60 in Boeing Classic: SNOQUALMIE, Wash. — Kevin Sutherland shot a 12-under 60 in the Boeing Classic, birdieing the final four holes to finish a stroke off his own PGA Tour Champions record. He was tied for the lead with Ken Tanigawa at 14-under 130. “I birdied 16, I go, ‘You birdie 17 and you eagle 18, you’re there,’” Sutherland said. “But it’s easier said than done, eagles just don’t happen all the time. But I gave myself a chance, hit a really good drive. …  I didn’t hit a great 3-iron. It would have been nice to hit one up there and give yourself at least a putt at it and that didn’t happen.”