Rory McIlroy says he has a “big chance” heading into the final round of the US Open at Pinehurst, despite sitting three strokes behind overnight leader Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy remains without a major win since claiming his fourth victory at the 2014 PGA Championship, the world No. 3 scoring 20 top-10 finishes in major championships.
Five have come in the past five years at the U.S. Open, including a runner-up finish at Wyndham Clark last year.
“I like the test that Pinehurst provides,” McIlroy told reporters after his 69 on Saturday to tie for fourth on the week.
“You have to focus and concentrate on every shot you have out there. It’s the US Open and it’s always great to be in the mix.
“As I said at the start of the week, it’s a style of golf that I’ve tried and embraced over the last few years, and it’s why my performances at the US Open have improved over the last half. decade.”
He added: “I think two shots, three shots, four shots, I have a big chance for tomorrow.
“The last few holes played really, really hard.”
DeChambeau hopes to give fans ‘something special’
It was the three-stroke lead DeChambeau held over McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay and Matthieu Pavon heading into the final round after an impressive three-under 67 from the 2020 US Open champion on Saturday.
DeChambeau’s win at Winged Foot four years ago was without a crowd due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but he proved a crowd favorite this week.
“People’s support has been overwhelming,” he said Sky Sports. “It’s amazing. I can’t thank you enough – and I will continue to feed off of them.
“I gave everything I had today.
“Tomorrow is about fairways and greens and let’s see if I can give someone special.”
DeChambeau added, speaking to reporters: “It’s the same quote I’ve been saying all week: trying to have boring golf.
“The middle of the green never moves, so I’m going to try a lot of greens, get some good looks on some holes and two putts.”
The 30-year-old also brushed off any injury fears after seeking physiotherapy and was even spotted receiving treatment in the woods after playing the 10th hole.
“It’s harder to get some shots, but that’s okay,” DeChambeau said of the issue.
“I’ve been around for a long time. This is the only thing that came up.”
Analysis: Can McIlroy make trouble and trouble DeChambeau?
Sky Sports’ Wayne ‘Radar’ Riley: “Bryson has no weaknesses. The way he played today, the man is a machine!”
“Off the tee he just obliterates the ball, his iron play is good, the chip is good and it’s a great putter. He’s a box office!
“Three shots ahead, the way he’s playing, I can’t see him losing … unless something spectacular happens and someone goes through the field.
“It’s going to be tough for McIlroy.
“But you’ve got to look at the positives … he’ll be out in the second group tomorrow and have a chance to orchestrate, make birdies and make noise.
“Maybe Bryson will start to hear. That’s what Rory will be thinking about tomorrow.”
Who will win the third championship this year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the final round begins on Sunday at 2pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the US Open and more with NOW.
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