By Phil Casey, PA Golf Correspondent
Rory McIlroy had his sights set on ending his major drought heading into the final round of the 121st US Open at Torrey Pines on Sunday.
A decade after winning his first major at Congressional, McIlroy carded a third round of 67 – equalling the lowest of the week to date – to trail Louis Oosthuizen, Russell Henley and Mackenzie Hughes by two shots.
Defending champion Bryson DeChambeau was alongside McIlroy on three under par, with pre-tournament favourite Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler and 2020 runner-up Matthew Wolff a shot further back.
World number one Dustin Johnson was among those four shots off the pace, with Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, Francesco Molinari, Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas all on level par.
Tweet of the day
Justin Thomas takes a tumble in the bunker...and then goes fishing! ?
? Watch the third round of the #USOpen live on Sky Sports Golf or follow updates via the live blog. pic.twitter.com/aO4AQWPIxn— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) June 19, 2021
Justin Thomas saw the funny side after losing his balance following a tricky shot to the par-three eighth hole.
Quote of the day
Outgoing USGA CEO Mike Davis might have found his next gig.
He caddied today for Jason Gore, who played as the marker today. pic.twitter.com/e71hfpPl5J— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 19, 2021
“I brought my lucky cinderblock collection” – USGA player relations director Jason Gore, who played as a marker in the third round, joked about making life tough for his caddie, USGA executive director Mike Davis.
Shot of the day
It's a Torrey Pines tradition!@Louis57TM eagles the last to tie for the lead at the #USOpen pic.twitter.com/KTS7bVhjEL
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 20, 2021
Louis Oosthuizen had been moving along quietly until holing from 50 feet for an eagle on the 18th.
Round of the day
Clubhouse leader, Rory McIlroy ✍️#USOpen | @Workday pic.twitter.com/2LAIUv9fD7
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 19, 2021
Rory McIlroy moved into contention for a second US Open title, 10 years after his first, with a superb 67.
Statistic of the day
Mackenzie Hughes has not been in the top-20 entering the final round of a PGA Tour event since September.
He missed 5 cuts in a row entering the week, playing those 10 rounds in +26.— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) June 20, 2021
Top statistician Justin Ray highlights the unexpected performance of Mackenzie Hughes.
Easiest hole
For the third day running the par-five 18th was the easiest hole, with one eagle and 34 birdies leading to an average of 4.592.
Toughest hole
The par-four 12th took over the mantle of toughest hole from the 11th, with four birdies and 25 bogeys contributing to an average of 4.352.
Key tee times (all BST)
2022 – Jon Rahm, Matthew Wolff
2033 – Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler
2044 – Russell Henley, Rory McIlroy
2055 – Mackenzie Hughes, Louis Oosthuizen
