Bryson DeChambeau powers three clear at the US Open entering final round
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Bryson DeChambeau after putting on the fifth hole during the third round of the US Open on June 15.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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PINEHURST – Bryson DeChambeau brushed off hip issues to move three shots clear at the top of the US Open third-round leaderboard on June 15, setting up a potential mouth-watering showdown with world No. 3 Rory McIlroy.
On another steamy afternoon at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, DeChambeau recovered from an early bogey and troublesome hip that required treatment mid-round to return a three-under 67 for a seven-under 203 total, to lead Matthieu Pavon (69), Patrick Cantlay (70) and McIlroy (69) by three.
Sitting a further two back are Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama (70) and young Swede Ludvig Aberg (73), who had held a one-shot lead after the second round.
“Trying to stay in the moment, obviously hip wasn’t feeling great but luckily I’ve got a good team and we’re going to go figure that out after,” said DeChambeau. “I just got two hips that are not fantastic just because of the speed training I do, that’s the consequences of it but I’ll be ready tomorrow.”
He will be partnered with Frenchman Pavon for the final round on June 16 but it is McIlroy, paired with Cantlay, who he will share the spotlight with as the former US Open winners and two of golf’s most intriguing figures grapple for the trophy.
McIlroy, bidding to end a decade-long Major drought, may be one of golf’s most popular figures but the big-hitting DeChambeau has evolved into one of the most entertaining and has enjoyed the backing of huge crowds at Pinehurst.
There will also be some golf politics and bragging rights at stake on June 16 with 2020 US Open winner DeChambeau now playing on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour and McIlroy, long one of the most vocal critics of the renegade circuit.
McIlroy, 35, has finished in the top-10 20 times since the last of his four Majors at the PGA Championship in 2014.
DeChambeau has played some of the best golf at the biggest events, finishing runner-up in May’s PGA Championship.
“Looking forward to another Sunday in the mix at a Major,” said Northern Irishman McIlroy.
“Awesome opportunity, really excited to be in the position I am in.”
DeChambeau broke away from the leading pack with a birdie at the 10th but on his way to the 11th was stretched out on the ground having work done on his hip.
Any concerns about fitness were quickly dispelled when he stepped onto the tee and hammered his longest drive of day at 359 yards before draining a 13-footer for back-to-back birdies.
He extended his advantage to four with a birdie at the 14th.
But just when it appeared he might run away from the field, a double-bogey at the par-four 16th slowed his momentum.
The 30-year-old responded immediately, rolling in a 12-footer for his sixth birdie, triggering wild cheers and chants of “USA, USA”.
“It was amazing,” the American said of the fan support. “Man, they riled me up. It just inspires me.” REUTERS
