US Open Leaderboard 2015: Updating Results and Standings for Sunday
Four players share the lead after three rounds of the 2015 U.S. Open. Surprise package Jason Day continued his eventful and thrilling tournament in fine style after hitting a two-under 68 to close out the third day's play.
The Australian fought not only the unforgiving elements at Chambers Bay—he was also up against a strong case of vertigo. AP reporter Doug Ferguson detailed the problems the 27-year-old had to deal with (h/t the PGA official site): "Day felt nauseous over the final hour. He had to steady himself to stick a tee in the ground and pluck a ball out of the cup. And he considered quitting three times."
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Meanwhile, the course continues to give every golfer at the tournament more than a few major headaches. In fact, former U.S. Open Champion Gary Player offered the bluntest indictment possible of the state of things at Chambers Bay.
Speaking during an interview with ESPN's SportsCenter, Player had this to say (h/t For The Win writer Nick Schwartz): “The worst golf course I might’ve ever seen in the 63 years as a professional golfer…"
That line was merely the signature salvo of a vivid rant about the state of golf's modern era. Putting the broader view aside for the moment, there's no doubt many players have experienced too much trouble negotiating Chambers Bay.
It's an issue some of the leaders are already scheming ways to fix.
Here's a glimpse at what the leaderboard looks like ahead of Day 4.
And here's a brief recap of Saturday's results:
Louis Oosthuizen Records Best Card of Round 3
South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen isn't part of the four-way quagmire at the top, but he did produce the best card of the third round. Included in his 66 were five birdies at the first, third, sixth, 12th and 13th holes, per the tournament's official site.
It was a superb performance from the 32-year-old, one that's put him back in the mix as a real contender to win this Open, according to Michael Whitmer of the Boston Globe.
That may be a tall order, but Oosthuizen has certainly engineered quite a reversal of form after struggling through the opening two rounds, per Whitmer: "Remarkably, after sitting nine over par through 20 holes, Oosthuizen is one under through 54."
Shane Lowry Still in the Hunt
One European player still pushing the leading pack is Irishman Shane Lowry. He hit a 70 in the third round as part of a hugely efficient performance.
Lowry struck par on 12 holes. Unlike many of the players at Chambers Bay, he isn't making an issue of the conditions.
He noted how tough things are, but he feels there's nothing professional players can't get used to, according to Irish Independent writer Phil Casey. Lowry has taken chances across the course, a refreshingly bold approach, even though it has occasionally cost him.
But Lowry hasn't been afraid to push for the greens early on. So far, his risk-taking has still left him one under par.
Lowry is only three shots behind Day and company. The closer he gets, the more conservative he might become.
He'd be smarter simply sticking with the same bravado that's gotten him this far.
Jordan Spieth Already Making Plans for the 18th
While Oosthuizen has found his best golf at the perfect time, Jordan Spieth has yet to produce his top form. His erratic performance continued on Day 3.
Spieth hit five bogeys at the fourth, fifth, seventh, ninth and 11th holes. Despite his mistakes, Spieth is still a part of the logjam at the top of the leaderboard.
But he can't reconcile himself to tournament rules that state the par for the 18th on the final day will be set at 4. It's something that already has Spieth contemplating a change in strategy ahead of the fourth round.
Golf Channel writer Jay Coffin believes Spieth will have a tough decision to make if he needs par on the last hole. Coffin identifies a bunker on the fairway as a particularly tricky spot.
Spieth has a plan in mind, but he notes how circumstances will naturally dictate things. Per Coffin: “It’s all going to be based on the position I’m in. I hope to be able to hit 6-iron off that tee, but that would mean things would have to go very well before that."
The pressure is on Spieth following his sluggish start. Before he even thinks about the 18th, he'll have to avoid the mistakes and missed chances that have plagued him so far.
Having four players share the lead is sure to produce a frantic and tense final day. Ferguson believes there might even be shades of history in store:
Whatever the outcome, expect a thrilling finish to the fourth round.
All scorecard information via PGA.com.
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