FedEx St Jude Classic 2012: Day 3 Tournament Leaders Who Will Contend at US Open

The FedEx St. Jude Classic provides the world’s top golfers with a last chance to hit their peak before the U.S. Open.

As expected, some of the best golfers in the game were near the top of the leaderboard as the third day of action came to a close.

Here are three top players that are having their fair share of success at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tennessee and will move their good form west for the U.S. Open later this month.

Note: for all scores from the tournament, visit PGAtour.com

Rory McIlroy, -5

Rory McIlroy unleashed the most dominant performance in the history of the U.S. Open last year in Maryland.

The most remarkable statistic to describe his epic blowout is McIlroy’s score of 16 under for the tournament, compared to a collective score of 14 under by the previous 10 U.S. Open winners, as noted by ESPN.com.

Now, McIlroy is tied for fourth after scores of 68, 65 and 72 through the first three rounds.

While this is not a shockingly dominant performance from the 23-year-old, it suggests that he is focused and ready to compete for his second major win. 

Davis Love III, -6

The captain of the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup team is tied for first at the tournament after scores of 69, 65 and 71 in the first three rounds.

The 48-year-old is past his prime, but he was once one of the top golfers in the world.

His physical skills may have declined, but he still has an incredible amount of experience.

His performance at the tournament suggests he’s still capable of pulling off impressive results. If his form continues, he will be near the top of the leaderboard at the U.S. Open.

Dustin Johnson, -5

Dustin Johnson’s long drives have him tied for fourth and hanging around the leaderboard at the FedEx St. Jude Classic with scores of 70, 68 and 67 heading into the final round of play. 

Johnson’s best career result at a major was as runner-up in the 2011 Open Championship.

The 27-year-old American will be hoping to post a new best as a professional golfer, and given his form in Tennessee, he will threaten to do so.

Johnson is extremely talented and playing excellent golf right now. When the U.S. Open starts, he will compete as hard as anyone in the field.