In our live coverage of this year’s U.S. Open final round, which seems all set for an exciting conclusion, with Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick within walking distance of the biggest win of his career until now.
The Sheffield-born golfer is chasing his first major and, at the height of Will Zalatoris at the top of the standings with four below par, is very close to that milestone. However, there are plenty of big names lined up to capitalize on whether he or Zalatoris falls, with Jon Rahm at the forefront and Keegan Bradley, Scottie Scheffler and Adam Hadwin both times behind.
Rory McIlroy is still in contention, although he is three paces from the pace alongside Joel Dahmen and Sam Burns. He still hopes to win his fifth major, and the first since the 2014 U.S. PGA Championship.
“I may not be in as good a position as I wanted to be, but I’m still right in the tournament,” McIlroy said after the third round on Saturday, where he fought up to a 73 despite struggling for long periods.
“It’s been a long time, eight years since I’ve been able to win one of these things. I still remember the feeling and I want that feeling again … I’m a great round of golf doing it and that’s all I have. ‘I have to focus.’
Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, hopes his previous success at Brookline, where he won the U.S. Amateur title in 2013, will give him an edge over his rivals as they eliminate him on the fourth day. “I certainly think it gives me an edge over others,” he said. “It simply came to our notice then.
“It’s a very positive moment in my career. It gave me a boost. Coming back here and playing so well again gives me a growing confidence round by round.”