Hunter Mahan begins long road in the playoffs, with history on side

Recent history is what gives Hunter Mahan a level of optimism he would not ordinarily have at The Barclays. For the first time in 10 years, he is at risk of ending a PGA Tour season without once finishing in the top three. For the first time in more than six years, Mahan is out of the top 50 in the world ranking. He starts the FedEx Cup playoffs today ( 11 a.m., Golf) in Edison, New Jersey, at No. 71, his lowest position since this series began in 2007. Mahan is the only player to have never missed a playoff event. That streak is in jeopardy. “Takes one good week to propel you up the board,” Mahan said. A year ago, Mahan was No. 62 in the FedEx Cup when he closed with a 65 and won The Barclays. That moved him to No. 1 in the standings, assured him a spot in the Tour Championship. – AP