Baddeley thrilled with how he's playing

These are exciting times for Aaron Baddeley.

Since his strong showing at Oakmont in the U.S. Open in June, the young Australian has been playing the best golf of his career. That includes a strong showing at last week's Deutsche Bank Championship and a spot in the final group today at the BMW Championship.

"Absolutely, when I come to a tournament I really look forward to playing because I feel like now I have a game where I can play well week in and week out," he said. "I feel like I'm doing everything well.

"It's exciting."

Who me, tired? Like most everyone else, Steve Stricker came into the BMW Championship complaining of a little fatigue.

But after vaulting to the top of the leaderboard Saturday, Stricker was singing quite a different tune.

"I don't feel fatigued now," Stricker said with a grin. "I feel really energetic now. Once you go through this … I have a lot of adrenaline and I'm just running with it."

Traffic tip: For those planning on attending today's final round at Cog Hill, be forewarned that Saturday, the two left lanes on southbound I-355 were closed from just south of Roosevelt Road all the way down to the Boughton Toll Plaza, adding at least a half hour to the commute.

Good sign: For the first time in three days, players Saturday were greeted with the words everyone associated with the soggy BMW Championship have been longing to see: "Due to the improved conditions and favorable forecast, the ball shall be played as it lies."

Getting bigger: Tournament officials estimated Saturday's crowd at 45,000, quite a boost over Friday's 30,000 and the 20,000 estimated Thursday.

Sight seen: Martin Courtois, the caddie for Rocco Mediate, waving a towel wildly for no apparent reason as he reached the 18th green. A confused gallery went along with him by giving Mediate (5 under) a gracious round of applause though they weren't sure why.

He said it: Tiger Woods on whether Saturday's crowds made it feel more like the old Western Open: "Not quite, but it's sneaking up on it."

He said it II: Camilo Villegas, on being paired with Woods for the third round: "It was awesome. I wish I could play in front of those kind of crowds every day."