Defending champion Jon Rahm, Masters champion Scottie Scheffler and four-time major winner Rory McIlroy -- the world's three top-ranked players -- grinded out rounds Saturday to stay in contention at the US Open.
Second-ranked Spaniard Rahm birdied three of the last five holes but hit into bunkers on his first three shots at 18 for a double bogey to shoot one-over par 71 and stand on three-under 207, one stroke behind co-leaders Will Zalatoris of the United States and England's Matt Fitzpatrick after 54 holes at The Country Club.
“I’m very content. I’m not going to lie. I have to consider that I have 18 holes and I'm only one shot back. That’s the important thing,” Rahm said.
“I know somebody behind is going to come out hot and is going to post a score, and I know I'm going to have to play good and probably shoot in the red numbers. That's my job.”
Third-ranked McIlroy, with three bogeys and a short birdie putt miss in the first six holes, salvaged a 73 to stand on 209, three adrift but within reach.
