Rory McIlroy says he has “a great chance” to advance to the final round of the US Open at Pinehurst, despite being three shots behind today’s leader Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy remains without a major victory since securing a fourth with victory at the 2014 PGA Championship, with the world No. 3 posting 20 top-10 finishes at major championships since then.
Five of those have come in the last five years at the US Open, including finishing second to Wyndham Clark last year.
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“I love the test that Pinehurst presents,” McIlroy told reporters after his score of 6-under 69 on Saturday, four under for the week.
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Highlights from the third round of the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
“You have to focus on every shot. That’s what a US Open should be like and it’s obviously great to be in the mix.
“As I said earlier this week, it’s a style of golf that I’ve started trying to adopt over the last few years, and that’s why my performances at the U.S. Open have improved a lot over the last half a decade.”
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Rory McIlroy returns to a solid 6-under 69 in the third round of the US Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
He added: “I feel like I have two shots, three shots, four shots, I have a great chance for tomorrow.
“The last holes are played very, very difficult.”
DeChambeau hopes to offer ‘something special’ to fans
That’s a three-shot lead DeChambeau holds over McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay and Matthieu Pavon heading into the final round after a stunning three-under 67 from the 2020 US Open champion on Saturday.
DeChambeau’s victory at Winged Foot four years ago was held without a crowd due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but he is proving to be a crowd favorite this week.
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Bryson DeChambeau leads the U.S. Open by three shots after shooting a 6-under 67 in the third round at No. 2 Pinehurst.
“The crowd support has been fantastic,” he said. Aerial sports. “It’s amazing. I can’t thank them enough – and I will continue to feed off them.
“I gave everything I had today.
“Tomorrow it’s about the fairways and greens and let’s see if I can give them something special.”
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Bryson DeChambeau has fun with the crowd at the US Open and jokingly asks them not to boo him after deciding not to use his driver
DeChambeau added, speaking to reporters: “It’s the same quote I’ve been saying all week: try to have boring golf.
“The middle of the green never moves, so I’m going to try to hit a lot of greens, give myself a good look at some holes and make a lot of two-putts.”
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Bryson DeChambeau receives physical therapy in the woods as he battles for the lead on day three of the US Open.
The 30-year-old also played down any fears of potential injury after calling the physio on the turn and even being spotted receiving treatment in the woods after playing the 10th hole.
“It was harder to make a few shots, but that’s OK,” DeChambeau said of the problem.
“I’ve had it for a long time now. It’s just something that popped up.”
Analysis: Can McIlroy “make some noise” and trouble DeChambeau?
Wayne “Radar” Riley from Sky Sports: “Bryson has no weaknesses. The way he played today, this guy is a machine!”
“Off the tee he just clears the ball, his iron play is great, he bowls well and he’s a great putter. He’s a box office hit!
“Three shots in front, the way he’s playing, I don’t see him losing…unless something spectacular happens and someone passes on the court.
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Bryson DeChambeau leads the U.S. Open by three shots after shooting a 6-under 67 in the third round at No. 2 Pinehurst.
“It’s going to be hard for McIlroy.
“But you have to look at the positives…he’s going to be in the penultimate group tomorrow and will have the chance to lead the orchestra, make some birdies and make some noise.
“Maybe Bryson will start hearing it then. That’s what Rory will be thinking about tomorrow.”
Who will win the third major men’s tournament of the year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the final round begins on Sunday from 2pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the US Open and more with NOW.
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