Rory McIlroy says he has a “big chance” of advancing to the final round of the US Open at Pinehurst despite being three strokes behind overnight leader Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy has not won a major since winning his fourth title at the PGA Championship in 2014, and has since recorded 20 top-10 finishes in major championships, ranking third in the world.
He has won the US Open five times in the past five years, including last year when he finished second to Wyndham Clark.
US Open Golf Live
Sunday, June 16th at 2pm
“I like the test that Pinehurst presents,” McIlroy told reporters after shooting a 1-under-par 69 on Saturday that put him at 4-under for the week.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights from the third round of the US Open held at Pinehurst No. 2.
“You have to focus and focus on every shot. This is what the US Open should be like and it’s definitely good to be in the mix.
“As I said earlier in the week, this is a style of golf that I have started to try and embrace over the past few years, and this is why my performance at the US Open has been so much better over the past half a decade.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Rory McIlroy reflects on his 1-under-par 69 in the third round of the U.S. Open on the second hole at Pinehurst.
He then added, “I think I need two shots, three shots, four shots,” and “I think a good opportunity will come tomorrow.”
“The last few holes are very, very difficult to play.”
DeChambeau wants to give fans 'something special'
DeChambeau shot a stunning 3-under-par 67 on Saturday from the 2020 U.S. Open champion to take a three-stroke lead over McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay and Matthieu Pavon heading into the final round.
DeChambeau's win at Winged Foot four years ago was won without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he is proving to be a crowd favorite this week.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Bryson DeChambeau leads the U.S. Open by three strokes after shooting a 3-under-par 67 in the third round at the second hole at Pinehurst.
“The crowd support was fantastic,” he said. sky sports. “It’s truly amazing. I can’t thank them enough. I will continue to be nourished by them for years to come.
“I gave him everything I had today.
“Tomorrow it’s about fairways and greens and I’ll see if I can give them something special.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Bryson DeChambeau had fun with the crowd at the US Open and jokingly asked them not to boo after he decided not to use a driver.
“I said the same thing I’ve been saying all week: try to play boring golf,” DeChambeau told reporters.
“The center of the green never moves, so I’m going to try to hit a lot of greens, be good on some holes and two-putt a lot.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Bryson DeChambeau gets physical therapy in the woods as he battles for the lead on day three of the U.S. Open.
The 30-year-old dismissed fears of a potential injury after requiring physiotherapy on his turn round and was even spotted receiving treatment in the woods after playing the 10th hole.
“It was harder to get through a few shots, but that’s OK,” DeChambeau said of the issue.
“I haven’t had it in a while. It just popped out of nowhere.”
Analysis: Could McIlroy 'make a fuss' and harass DeChambeau?
Wayne 'Raider' Riley on Sky Sports: “Bryson has no weaknesses. The way he played today, this guy is a machine!”
“He kills the ball off the tee, plays great irons, chips well, has a great putter. He’s a box office hit!
“There’s three shots up front and the way he’s playing, I can’t see him getting beat…unless something cool happens and someone comes down the field.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Bryson DeChambeau leads the U.S. Open by three strokes after shooting a 3-under-par 67 in the third round at the second hole at Pinehurst.
“It will be difficult for McIlroy.
“But we have to look at the positives: he will be in the second-to-last group tomorrow and have a chance to conduct the orchestra, hit birdies and make some noise.
“Maybe Bryson will start listening to that. Rory will think about it tomorrow.”
Who will be the third men's major winner this year? Watch the US Open live on Sky Sports. Live coverage of the final will begin on Sky Sports Golf from 2pm on Sunday. Stream the US Open and more with NOW.
Book your round at the best price at one of our 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland
