PINEHURST, N.C. (AP) — Bryson DeChambeau turned Pinehurst No. 2 into a one-man show Saturday in the U.S. Open.
Posted June 15, 2024 8:27 p.m. EDT
Updated June 15, 2024 9:41 p.m. EDT
By DOUG FERGUSON, AP Golf Writer
PINEHURST, N.C. — PINEHURST, N.C. Bryson DeChambeau turned Pinehurst No. 2 into a one-man show Saturday in the U.S. Open.
When he wasn’t smashing eight drives of 340 yards or more, he was getting his right hip worked on between holes. He pumped fists and entertained thousands of sunbaked fans on his way to a 3-under 67 and a three-shot lead going into the final round.
At stake is a chance to capture a second U.S. Open title with a reimagined game — still powerful as ever — and a physique that isn’t quite the “Incredible Bulk” he was at Winged Foot in 2020.
Still ahead is a final round with Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay and Matthieu Pavon three shots behind and all looking capable of giving him a run for the silver trophy.
DeChambeau, a runner-up by one shot last month in the PGA Championship with another top 10 at the Masters in April, was at 7-under 203. He is the only player to post three straight rounds of 60s in a U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
Ludvig Aberg, the super Swede who started the third round with a one-shot lead, fell victim to the slick, domed greens to make a triple bogey on the 13th hole that sent him to a 73 and left him five shots back along with Hideki Matsuyama (70).
DeChambeau said it was “two hips that are not fantastic” from his speed training that led him to ask for a trainer and get worked on in the woods after the 10th hole.
