Former champions Jim Furyk and Graeme McDowell charged into a share of the lead in the third round of the US Open on Saturday, while Tiger Woods slipped down a congested leaderboard but still has a chance to end his major championship drought.
Furyk, the 2003 US Open winner, put himself in contention for a second major title after shooting an even-par 70 to remain at one-under heading into the final day, which has all the makings of a grandstand finish with more than a dozen players within five strokes of the leading pair.
McDowell, who won it in at nearby Pebble Beach, joined the American at the top after capping his impressive round of 68 with a birdie at the 18th at the Olympic Club.
Sweden’s Fredrik Jacobsen also shot a 68 to finish alone in third, two shots behind the leaders, with England’s Lee Westwood (67), Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts (71), American Blake Adams (70) and South Africa’s Ernie Els (68) a shot further back.
John Peterson (72) had a hole-in-one at the 180-yard 13th to join Webb Simpson (68), Jason Dufner (70), Kevin Chappell (68), Australia’s John Senden (68) and Beau Hossler (70) at three-over.
{{/usCountry}}John Peterson (72) had a hole-in-one at the 180-yard 13th to join Webb Simpson (68), Jason Dufner (70), Kevin Chappell (68), Australia’s John Senden (68) and Beau Hossler (70) at three-over.
{{/usCountry}}Woods was tied for 14th at four-over following his 75. He had started the day tied for the lead at one-under with Furyk and David Toms, who fell to five-over after a 76.