U.S. Open golf 2015: Day shoots for glory

day

All right. Take a deep breath.

The third round of the U.S. Open turned into a wild ride of eagles, birdies, bogeys and worse on Saturday, as players fought for position on a course that firmed up and played pretty close to how the USGA wanted it. Chambers Bay has been nothing if not exciting, even if it had elicited some ungrateful remarks from the players.

Four players are tied for the lead at 4 under heading into what promises to be a suspense-filled final round. Here's what each contender needs to do to win:

Dustin Johnson — DJ hit every fairway on Saturday, but still shot even par. Don't expect him to replicate that kind of accuracy off the tee, but it wouldn't be surprising to see Johnson make more putts on Sunday. Several chances for his first major have gone wanting, but this could be the week he gets it done … if he can avoid a meltdown.

Jordan Spieth — Spieth says the grand slam isn't on his mind, but it's on everyone else's. That being said, Spieth must hit the ball a lot better off the tee if he wants to win his second major of the year. He got a bit frustrated toward the end of his round Saturday, so it will be interesting to see how he starts Sunday.

Jason Day — Day won his personal battle of finishing his round Saturday. This 27-year-old Aussie has been battling acute vertigo and had a scary flare-up on Friday. Despite feeling woozy throughout the day, Day birdied four of his last seven holes to get into the final pairing.

Branden Grace — Grace is the ultimate Miss Congeniality heading into this star-studded final round, but unlike the 2000 movie, Grace has a chance to win the whole thing. He has been driving the ball exceptionally and hasn't flinched alongside some of the game's longest hitters. Missing the pressure of the final group should help him, as well.

Louis Oosthuizen (1 under) — Oosthuizen might be hitting the ball better than anyone on the heels of back-to-back 66s. After an awful 7-over 77 on Thursday, Oosthuizen played the course better than anyone the past two days. He enters Sunday three shots back and should like his chances if he gets hot early.

J.B. Holmes (-1) — Holmes, like Johnson, was a bit up-and-down through the first three rounds, but he also has the ability to overpower this course. Holmes has 13 birdies and two eagles through three rounds, yet he's just 1 under. Something has to give on Sunday.

Author(s)