Gary Woodland will head into the final round of the US Open one shot ahead of Justin Rose after an enthralling third day at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The playing partners matched each other blow for blow on the California coast but a closing birdie from the Englishman saw him card a 68 to sit at ten under, one back of his rival who signed for a 69.
Rose triumphed at this event in 2013 and while he has won many things including an Olympic gold medal and two Rolex Series titles since then, he has long spoken of his desire to be a multiple Major Champion.
The duo will not have the stage to themselves on Sunday, however, with two time defending champion Brooks Koepka, 2010 Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen and American Chez Reavie all at seven under.
Rory McIlroy is searching for a fifth Major win and he was at six under, a shot clear of Americans Chesson Hadley and Matt Kuchar.
Since his emotional triumph at Merion Golf Club six years ago, Rose has three runner up finishes and seven other tops tens in golf’s four biggest events, and a second win at last would give him a 12th European Tour win.
‘Today wasn’t perfect but my short game kept me in it,’ he said. ‘I pulled off some clutch shots too.
‘I had five birdies today, that gives you a bit of leeway to make a mistake but I think tomorrow we might see a course that isn’t as gentle as we’ve seen this week.
‘So with the course that has the ability to firm up and trickier pins, I’m preparing for all eventualities. I can’t wait to see the pins in the morning and make a plan.’
It took Woodland 28 attempts to achieve a top ten in a Major but he now has two in his last three as he looks for a first win.
‘I’ll be rested for tomorrow,’ he said. ‘I’m comfortable with my game, I’m playing good. We’re at Pebble Beach for the U.S. Open, it should be exciting.
‘I’m in a good spot. You come here with intentions to play to win and give yourself a chance and I’ve done that through 54 holes. We’ve got to get ready in the morning, have fun, come out with an attitude and see what happens.’
