Bryson DeChambeau is leading the US Open with a three-shot advantage heading into the final round, while Rory McIlroy is aiming to end his major drought at Pinehurst. DeChambeau carded a impressive round of 67 to reach seven under par, with McIlroy tied for second on four under with Patrick Cantlay and Matthieu Pavon. Ludvig Aberg, who was leading at the halfway point, had a costly triple-bogey on the 13th hole and fell back to two under alongside Hideki Matsuyama.
DeChambeau has been in superb form in majors this season, finishing sixth in the Masters and as runner-up in the US PGA Championship. He previously won the US Open at Winged Foot in 2020. DeChambeau expressed his gratitude for the crowd’s support and mentioned how he feeds off their enthusiasm during the game. McIlroy will be playing alongside Cantlay in the final round, following a heated exchange between McIlroy and Cantlay’s caddie during a past Ryder Cup event.
McIlroy, a four-time major winner, expressed his love for the challenge that Pinehurst presents and his focus on each shot. The 2011 US Open champion last won a major title in the 2014 US PGA. DeChambeau humorously apologized to fans for not attempting to drive the green on the 13th hole. Despite the heated competition, top statistician Justin Ray predicts the US Open winner will likely come from the quartet of DeChambeau, McIlroy, Pavon, and Cantlay.
The round of the day belonged to Collin Morikawa, who climbed from a tie for 51st to joint ninth after a bogey-free 66. The second hole proved to be the hardest, with only three birdies, 26 bogeys, and multiple higher scores, leading to an average of 4.500. On the other hand, the par-five fifth hole was the easiest, with three eagles, 34 birdies, and just two scores over par leading to the same 4.500 average as the par-four second.
Selected tee times for the final round include Finau and Hatton teeing off at 18:48 BST, Aberg and Matsuyama at 18:59 BST, Cantlay and McIlroy at 19:10 BST, and Pavon and DeChambeau at 19:21 BST. The weather forecast predicts partly cloudy skies with a high of 89 degrees and light easterly winds reaching 5-10 mph. With DeChambeau leading the pack, the final round promises to be an exciting conclusion to the US Open at Pinehurst.
