Share

Johnson on top at Open

Pebble Beach - Dustin Johnson took a three-shot lead into the final round of the US Open on Sunday, but he might find the cushion more curse than comfort, especially with Tiger Woods in range to pounce.

Johnson, a long-hitting 25-year-old from South Carolina, is seeking his first major title. His best finish in two previous US Opens was his tie for 40th at Bethpage last year.

Looming in his rearview mirror are five players within seven strokes of the lead, starting with Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and including 14-time major champion Tiger Woods, two-time US Open champion Ernie Els, unheralded Frenchman Gregory Havret and reigning Masters champion Phil Mickelson.

McDowell is the closest, and for the second straight day will play alongside Johnson in the final group at 14:15.

"He was awesome today," McDowell said after watching the long-hitting Johnson overpower a dangerous Pebble Beach Golf Links on Saturday to build a 54-hole total of six-under 207.

"He really just stood up and had no fear, hit the shots, hit all the shots. But he's going to go home and sleep on a three-shot lead, and we'll see how he feels in the morning."

Johnson, who has won the last two editions of the US PGA Tour's National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, seemed to think he'd feel just fine, no matter what the windy, sunny weather - and the US Golf Association - throw at him.

"Nothing is going to change with the game plan," Johnson vowed. "I'm driving it really straight now. I'm confident in the driver and I like to use it."

McDowell, the championship's halfway leader, settled for a third-round 71 that left him three back on 210. He said he'll need to do better off the tee to challenge for a win that would be his first major title and the first US Open victory for a European since Tony Jacklin won in 1970.

"If I can bring some semblance of my long game tomorrow, which I know was there, I'll be in good shape," said McDowell, adding that it would also be crucial to "stay patient, not go chasing Dustin down."

Woods was the only other player under par through 54 holes, giving himself a chance with his best round of golf since a sex scandal exploded around him last November.

The 34-year-old superstar was five-under par on Pebble Beach's back nine on Saturday en route to a 66 for one-under 212 that had his fist pumping and the gallery roaring as of old.

Now when he tees off in the penultimate group with Havret at 14:05 he'll try to do something the old Tiger never managed: win a major championship when not leading or sharing the lead through three rounds.

"He's the best player in the world, so it's not a shock to see that he's right there and played really good," Johnson said. "But I can't worry about Tiger. All I can do is worry about myself. I can't control what he does. All I can do is control what I do."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE