US Open Leaderboard 2013: Updates on Golf's Top Stars on Day 4

The final round of the 2013 U.S. Open began play on Sunday, with a number of golfers well out of contention teeing off in the early morning.

Now that Father’s Day afternoon is upon us, the real contenders are preparing to step out of the clubhouse and hoping to win the coveted U.S. Open Championship Trophy.

It should be a thrilling finish at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pa., so let’s take a look at an updated leaderboard, highlight some notable contestants to keep an eye on this Sunday and more.

 

Phil Mickelson Looking to Finally Win U.S. Open

Lefty has been the runner-up in this event five times, suffering a number of heartbreaks and letdowns along the way.

After three rounds, he’s in prime position to finally shed the monkey from his back and claim victory in this elusive tourney. He’s set to tee off at 3:20 p.m. ET.

The former Arizona State star has won three of the four majors he has led heading into the final round, a respectable percentage. The only blemish came from Mickelson’s 2006 collapse at Winged Foot, in which he failed to par the final hole and Geoff Ogilvy emerged victorious.

Now that he’s the only contestant in the field under par—although nine players are within five strokes—Lefty just needs to remain focused and continue to exert his will on this tricky course outside Philadelphia.

Don’t be surprised if the 43-year-old pulls it off and adds another notch to his belt in the twilight of his career.

 

Steve Stricker is Just One Back

Stricker is another aging veteran that is right in the hunt this Father’s Day, as the 46-year-old is currently even through three rounds. He’ll be teeing off at 3:09 p.m. ET, just before leader Mickelson and his twosome partner, Hunter Mahan.

If he were able to gain ground on Lefty and persevere, Stricker would not only capture the first major of his long career, but he would also become the oldest player to ever win the U.S. Open.

It certainly won’t be easy, especially with some blemishes—such as a double-bogey on No. 9 yesterday—on his record. 

However, Stricker nailed an impressive putt on 18 to save par before heading into the clubhouse and is still in great position to capitalize if Mickelson falters.

 

Can Luke Donald Recover?

Donald suffered through a meltdown on the last two holes in the third round, bogeying No. 17 and 18 to finish Round 3 at one-over par.

It was not the sort of conclusion to a quality round that the Englishman desired. He could have held strong at the top of the leaderboard if he was able to par those two holes, as he went into them at two-under.

It’ll be interesting to see if he can regain his focus. The former World No. 1 has never won a major, although he has some time left to contend for one at the age of 35.

He’s had a number of close calls, tying for third at both the 2005 Masters and 2006 PGA Championship. His best finish at this event was T-12, which happened back in 2006.

With a tee time of 2:58 p.m. ET, Donald is certainly a contender to watch.