The American Bryson DeChambeau took a three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay going into the final round of the US Open after a thrilling third day at Pinehurst, North Carolina.
One of only a dozen players from the rebel LIV Golf Series in the field, the 2020 US Open champion DeChambeau was paired in the final group with overnight leader Ludvig Aberg but outplayed the Swede, shooting a spectacular three-under-par 67 to improve to seven under.
Despite needing physiotherapy for hip problems, DeChambeau looked relaxed, chatting with fans.
McIlroy, in the hunt for his first major title in a decade, ended the day tied for second place.
The four-time major champion is four under after a patient one-under 69.
The American Cantlay, who led after round one alongside McIlroy, hit a birdie on his penultimate hole to rejoin the Northern Irishman and French debutant Matthieu Pavon at four under par.
DeChambeau thanks fans
Bryson DeChambeau, who finished second at last month’s US PGA Championship, revelled in the cheers and encouragement he received from his fans.
“It was amazing – I can’t thank them enough,” DeCheambeau said. “It was a blessing. Man, they riled me up.
“It just gives me a spike in my adrenaline and allows me to focus more on delivering for the fans, for myself and for my family. It just inspires me.”
McIlroy, the 2011 US Open champion , also had a good day.
“I’m pretty much in the same position that I was last year going into the final day and hopefully I produce the golf that’s needed to go one better,” he added, referring to his US Open runner-up finish in 2023.
In the final round, McIlroy will play with Cantlay.
Several of the overnight contenders dropped back. Xander Schauffle, the new US PGA champion who started the day at one under, opened with back-to-back bogeys.
World No 1 Scottie Scheffler ended a career-long streak of 26 holes without a birdie when he picked up a shot on the eighth hole and another on the 11th, but he remained 10 shots off the lead.
“Another frustrating day,” Scheffler said. “The game of golf is a mental torture chamber at times, especially the US Open.”
Sources: BBC, The Guardian