AFP - Shane Lowry will take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the US Open at Oakmont on Sunday.

The burly Irishman had two birdies in the four third round holes he had left to play after darkness intervened late Saturday for a 65, leaving him at seven-under par for the tournament.

That was four clear of Americans Dustin Johnson and Andrew Landry, with veteran Englishman Lee Westwood and American Daniel Summerhays a further shot back.

Only six players were under par and none of those had won a Major.

"Really good morning work for me and I am looking forward to getting back out there and see what I can do," said Lowry, ranked 41st in the world.

"That's one of the best rounds of my career there - 65 is very good on this course. I just need to stay patient and see what happens this afternoon.

"I've been playing well and not getting the results that I deserve." Lowry came back out to finish his third round in the early morning and he started with a birdie at the 15th to a bogey for closest challenger Landry, stretching Lowry's lead to four shots.

World No. 6 Johnson moved to within three with a birdie of his own at the 15th, but Lowry rolled in a putt from 10 feet at the short par-four 17th to restore a four-stroke margin over the field.

Lowry was one of 32 players out of the 67 who made the cut who were unable to finish their rounds before nightfall Friday as the ripple effects continued from the delays caused by Thursday's thunderstorms.