Even Kaymer struggles on difficult day

Martin Kaymer was unable to continue his record-breaking run at Pinehurst, but the German will take a five-shot lead into the final round after carding a 72 on Saturday.
After carding back-to-back 65s to card the lowest 36-hole score in US Open history, the former world number wasn’t immune to the North Carolina course’s bite and needed a 10-footer for birdie on the final hole to salvage a two-over-par round and reach eight-under after 54 holes.
Nevertheless, on a hot day that featured some difficult pin positions, Kaymer secured the biggest lead any player has had going into the final round of the US Open in 95 years.
“I didn’t play as well as the first two days, but I kept it together,” Kaymer admitted to reporters in the clubhouse after his round.
“If you’re 4 shots, 5 shots, 6 shots, if you play a golf course like this, it can be gone very quickly.
“You could see it today. So the challenge tomorrow is to keep going and not try to defend anything. So we’ll see how it will react tomorrow, how the body feels and how I handle the situation.”
Five shots behind Kaymer is Ricky Fowler and Erik Compton after both carded 67s on Saturday.
After three rounds, only six players remain under par, with Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson (both 70) on two-under and Brand Snedeker (72) another shot further behind.
Two-time US Open winner Retief Goosen admitted after the round that Saturday’s pin placings were some of the most difficult he has come across.
“They’ve set it up so that no one can go low,” Retief Goosen said after a 71.
“Some of the pins look like they’re about to fall off the greens.”
Six-time US Open runner-up Phil Mickelson was 13 shots off the lead after three rounds after carding 73, while world number one Adam Scott was 11 behind after notching a 73 as well.
The only player in the history of the US Open to lose a final round five-shot lead is Mike Brady, who carded a final round 80 in 1919 and lost the ensuing play-off to Walter Hagen.
Compton is one of the feel-good stories of the PGA Tour after recovering from heart surgery, twice.
“I think that my attitude suits a U.S. Open-style course because I don’t ever give up,” Compton said.
Latest
-
PGA Tour
Justin Rose wins AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am to claim first title since 2019
Monday’s resumption saw the 42-year-old make birdies on the 11th, 13th and 14th en route to a 66.
-
PGA Tour
Daniel Gavins survives final-hole drama to win Ras Al Khaimah Championship
The Englishman held his nerve to hole for a double-bogey seven on the 18th and clinch a one-shot victory.
-
PGA Tour
Gareth Bale admits to nerves on debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-am
The 33-year-old, who announced his retirement from football last month, is a two-handicapper.
-
PGA Tour
Jordan Spieth wants Pebble Beach to become one of PGA Tour’s elevated events
The PGA Tour’s top players have committed to playing against each other at least 20 times a year.
-
PGA Tour
G4D Open is ‘great news’ for golfers with disabilities – Brendan Lawlor
Up to 80 players will contest the inaugural event in May.
-
PGA Tour
It’s been a battle – Rory McIlroy delighted to pip rival Patrick Reed in Dubai
The Northern Irishman birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish a shot ahead of Reed on 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy holds off rival Patrick Reed with birdie on 18 to seal Dubai win
McIlroy birdied the final two holes at Emirates Golf Club to card a closing 68 and finish 19 under par.
-
PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy leads by three in bid to win his third Dubai Desert Classic title
England’s Callum Shinkwin and Dan Bradbury are McIlroy’s closest challengers heading into the final round.
-
LPGA Tour
Golf bid to increase diversity in sport improving but still has ‘long way to go’
Nicola Bennett is an ambassador for the Golf Foundation, helping to drive grassroots campaigns.
-
PGA Tour
Richard Bland boasts share of lead at halfway stage in Dubai Desert Classic
The 49-year-old returned to complete his second round on Saturday morning, carding three more birdies and a solitary bogey in his remaining 14 holes.