The 124th U.S. Open at PGA TOUR is underway at Pinehurst No. 2, marking the 1,000th USGA championship. The challenging course with its unpredictable wiregrass and slick greens has tested the skills of the players in countless ways. After 54 holes, Bryson DeChambeau leads the pack with a three-stroke advantage at 7-under. He made six birdies in the third round to position himself for a shot at his second major title. As the final round approaches, DeChambeau will face stiff competition from Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay, Matthieu Pavon, Hideki Matsuyama, Ludvig Åberg, Tony Finau, and Collin Morikawa.
DeChambeau has shown control and consistency throughout the tournament, utilizing his driver effectively and staying calm under pressure. However, Pinehurst No. 2 has proven that no lead is entirely safe, as seen with DeChambeau’s double bogey on the 16th hole. The challenging green complexes and unpredictable slopes of the course can lead to unexpected outcomes, keeping the competition tight.
McIlroy, on the other hand, is aiming to end his decade-long major title drought and has positioned himself well heading into the final round. With a share of second place, McIlroy has the opportunity to make a move and challenge DeChambeau for the title. His experience and determination make him a strong contender on major Sundays.
Cantlay, a close friend of recent major champion Xander Schauffele, is also in the mix for his first major title. With a solid third-round performance, Cantlay is within striking distance of the lead and will look to capitalize on his opportunity. Additionally, Cantlay has the chance to secure a spot in the Olympics based on his performance in the U.S. Open, adding another layer of excitement to his final round.
Pavon, representing France, has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first modern-era Frenchman to win a major championship. His consistent iron play and strong performance at Pinehurst No. 2 have put him in contention for the title. With a share of second place, Pavon is poised to make a run at the top spot in the final round.
While DeChambeau holds the lead, players like Matsuyama, Åberg, Finau, and Morikawa are not far behind and have the potential to challenge for the title with a strong final round. The unpredictable nature of the U.S. Open and the challenging conditions at Pinehurst No. 2 make for an exciting conclusion to the tournament. As the players prepare for Sunday’s round, the stage is set for a thrilling finish and a potential shift in the leaderboard.