Golf: American Bryson DeChambeau holds three stroke-lead after US Open third round at Pinehurst

American Bryson DeChambeau has brushed off hip issues to move three shots clear at the top of the US Open third round leaderboard, setting up a potential mouthwatering showdown with world No.3 Rory McIlroy.

On another steamy afternoon at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, DeChambeau recovered from an early bogey and troublesome hip that required treatment mid-round to return a three-under 67, and lead Frenchman Matthieu Pavon (69), Patrick Cantlay (70) and McIlroy (69) by three.

DeChambeau will be partnered with Pavon for the final round, but he will share the spotlight with McIlroy, paired with Cantlay, as the former US Open winners and two of golf's most intriguing figures grapple for the trophy.

Bidding to end a decade-long Major drought, McIlroy may be one of golf's most popular figures, but big-hitting DeChambeau has evolved into one of the most entertaining and has enjoyed the backing of huge crowds at Pinehurst.

Golf politics and bragging rights will be at stake, with 2020 US Open winner DeChambeau now playing on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour and McIlroy long one of the most vocal critics of the renegade circuit.

McIlroy will appear in the top three going into the final round of a Major for the 10th time, while DeChambeau has played some best golf at the grand slams, finishing runner-up at last month's PGA Championship.

"Looking forward to another Sunday in the mix at a Major," said McIlroy, who won the last of his four Majors at the 2014 PGA Championship. "Awesome opportunity, really excited to be in the position I am in.

"This is what we practice for, this is what we dream of, so really excited for the opportunity, going to go out there tomorrow and give it my all." 

Reuters

American Bryson DeChambeau has brushed off hip issues to move three shots clear at the top of the US Open third round leaderboard, setting up a potential mouthwatering showdown with world No.3 Rory McIlroy.

On another steamy afternoon at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, DeChambeau recovered from an early bogey and troublesome hip that required treatment mid-round to return a three-under 67, and lead Frenchman Matthieu Pavon (69), Patrick Cantlay (70) and McIlroy (69) by three.

DeChambeau will be partnered with Pavon for the final round, but he will share the spotlight with McIlroy, paired with Cantlay, as the former US Open winners and two of golf's most intriguing figures grapple for the trophy.

Bidding to end a decade-long Major drought, McIlroy may be one of golf's most popular figures, but big-hitting DeChambeau has evolved into one of the most entertaining and has enjoyed the backing of huge crowds at Pinehurst.

Golf politics and bragging rights will be at stake, with 2020 US Open winner DeChambeau now playing on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour and McIlroy long one of the most vocal critics of the renegade circuit.

McIlroy will appear in the top three going into the final round of a Major for the 10th time, while DeChambeau has played some best golf at the grand slams, finishing runner-up at last month's PGA Championship.

"Looking forward to another Sunday in the mix at a Major," said McIlroy, who won the last of his four Majors at the 2014 PGA Championship. "Awesome opportunity, really excited to be in the position I am in.

"This is what we practice for, this is what we dream of, so really excited for the opportunity, going to go out there tomorrow and give it my all." 

Reuters

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