In the late afternoon at Pinehurst No. 2, the temperature began to cool as the leaders made the turn on Saturday. The scorching heat of the day gave way to a more comfortable atmosphere, much to the relief of the spectators who had endured the brutal conditions all day.
Bryson DeChambeau emerged as a fan favorite, captivating the gallery with his energetic performance. He finished the day with a three-shot lead at -7, winning over the hearts of the Pinehurst crowd.
“I made a lot of great putts today,” DeChambeau said. “I’m pleased with my performance and feel confident heading into the final round.”
Earlier in the day, Matthieu Pavon had a strong start but struggled on the back nine. Despite the challenging conditions, several players were in contention throughout the round, with DeChambeau ultimately taking the lead.
The course proved to be a formidable test for the players, with only eight remaining under par after 54 holes. DeChambeau’s impressive performance and showmanship endeared him to the crowd, setting the stage for an exciting final round.
While some players found the conditions grueling, others like Collin Morikawa managed to stay competitive. Pinehurst No. 2 lived up to its reputation as a challenging but fair test for the world’s best golfers.
DeChambeau’s dynamic play and charisma have made him a standout performer, earning him a spot in the final group for Sunday’s round. Despite facing challenges along the way, he remains a strong contender for the U.S. Open title.