Lowry leads at Oakmont

Shane Lowry is two shots clear heading into the final day of the US Open after a thrilling Saturday which saw five different leaders.

The majority of those at the top of the leaderboard at Oakmont will return early on Sunday to complete their third rounds, with the storm delays that effected day one in Pennsylvania still hampering the major event.

When the klaxon sounded to signal the end of Saturday’s action, Lowry was clear of the rest of the field after a brilliant run of birdies on the front nine, picking up shots at the fourth, sixth, seventh and ninth to leave him on five-under for the tournament.

The Irishman still has four holes left to play and will need to demonstrate his stamina if he is to capture the first major title of his career, with the world No.41 admitting he was feeling the pace when he came off the course on Saturday.

“I’m glad we didn’t have to play another four holes as I was getting tired but I’m really looking forward to getting out there on Sunday,” said Lowry. “I’ve never been in this position but this is where you want to be.”

Lowry’s closest challenger is American Andrew Landry on three-under, while Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and overnight leader Dustin Johnson are a shot further back.

Lowry, Landy, Westwood, Garcia and Johnson all enjoyed spells at the top of the leaderboard during an intriguing Saturday at Oakmont, which looks likely to give the golfing world a maiden major champion with none of the top seven having ever won one of the big four tournaments.

However, world No.1 Jason Day will feel he is still in with a chance of a second major after shooting a four-under 66 to move to one-over, one behind American Scott Piercy and a further shot back on clubhouse leader Branden Grace.

Tagged Shane Lowry, US Open