Bryson DeChambeau dominated the US Open, taking a three-stroke lead after the third round at Pinehurst. Only eight players were under par due to the challenging course conditions. DeChambeau made a bogey at the fourth hole before showcasing a birdie blitz with five birdies in the next 10 holes. He finished with a three-under-par 67, standing at seven-under 203 after 54 holes. DeChambeau’s strategy was to play “boring golf” by hitting the middle of the greens consistently.
Rory McIlroy and Matthieu Pavon shared second place at 206, three shots behind DeChambeau. Patrick Cantlay and Hideki Matsuyama were also in contention at 206 and 208 respectively. DeChambeau’s birdie streak included a six-foot putt at the fifth hole, a 12-foot birdie at the seventh, a seven-foot birdie at the 10th, and a long putt at the 11th to take the lead. Despite a stumble at the 16th, where he made a double-bogey, DeChambeau recovered with a birdie at the 17th.
McIlroy made a charge with birdies on the back nine but struggled with bogeys on the 15th and 17th holes. Pavon had a rough round with three birdies but fell back with bogeys on the back nine. Cantlay had a solid round and is hoping to secure a spot in the Paris Olympics. A Frenchman has not won a major since 1907, and Pavon’s performance could end that drought. Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler had a frustrating day and is currently 13 shots off the lead.
DeChambeau’s stellar performance has positioned him as the frontrunner to win the US Open. His consistent play and strategic approach have allowed him to maintain a significant lead heading into the final round. McIlroy and Cantlay are among the players vying to catch up to DeChambeau, but they will need a strong final round to challenge the leader. The challenging course conditions and tough pin positions have tested the players’ skills, making every shot crucial in the quest for the title.
The pressure of the US Open can be intense, but DeChambeau has shown composure and determination in his pursuit of victory. His ability to rebound from setbacks and capitalize on opportunities has set him apart from the competition. As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on DeChambeau as he looks to secure his second US Open title. The battle for the coveted major championship will come down to the wire, with DeChambeau’s impressive performance putting him in pole position for success.
