US Open Round 3 Recap: Burns Holds Slim Lead as Scott and Ortiz Surge
US Open Round 3 lived up to the hype. It was Moving Day in full swing. A total of 12 rounds under par were recorded. That nearly equals the 13 total from Rounds 1 and 2 combined.
The lowest scores of the day came from Adam Scott and Carlos Ortiz, both shooting a stellar 67. Scott, one of our pre-tournament picks (link here), is now one shot back. With his form holding strong, he’s positioned perfectly for a run at his second major.
Burns Still Leads After US Open Round 3
Sam Burns, one of our predicted dark horses (link here), kept his spot at the top. He now holds the 54-hole lead, just like he did after 36 holes.
He played steady early on. After a par start, he made a bogey at the 2nd. However, he bounced back with birdies on 5 and 13. His up-and-down saves from bunkers on holes 7, 12, 14, and 15 showed resilience. Though he dropped a shot at 16, he nearly eagled 17, settling for birdie. A closing par gave him a solid 69, enough to stay ahead.
Adam Scott and Carlos Ortiz Shoot 67s
Adam Scott had a rough start with a bogey. That turned out to be his only blemish. He birdied 4, 13, 14, and 17 for a clean 3-under round. He’s now one shot behind and chasing his second major.
Carlos Ortiz started strong with front-nine birdies on 4 and 6. He added more on 12 and 14. A bogey at 18 was his lone slip. Still, he sits fifth alone, well within reach.
Spaun, Hovland Stay in the Hunt
J.J. Spaun began with a birdie and briefly took the lead. He stayed in control but couldn’t build momentum. His 69 keeps him tied for second.
Viktor Hovland had two early bogeys but rallied with birdies around the turn. He ended his round with even-par 70. He’s currently in solo fourth, just three back.
Notable Movers on Moving Day
- Tyrrell Hatton and Thriston Lawrence are T6 at +1. Hatton shot 68, while Lawrence carded 70.
- Marc Leishman posted 68 as well. He’s T11 at +4.
- Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen is in eighth place after a 69, sitting at +2 overall.
- MacIntyre and Cameron Young are T9 at +3, following matching rounds of 69.
Scheffler, Brooks, and Big Names Falter
Scottie Scheffler showed flashes of brilliance. But bogeys derailed his momentum. He finished with an even-par 70. Now at +4, he trails by eight shots. Expect him to attack early in the final round.
Brooks Koepka had a frustrating day. A 3-over 73 left him out of contention. His lone birdie came at 17. Two three-putt bogeys reflected how brutal Oakmont’s greens have been.
Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy had days to forget. Rahm posted 73 and Rory 74. Rahm is now T35, while Rory dropped to T49.
🏌️♂️ Low Amateur Honors Locked
Only one amateur made the cut. Justin Hastings of the Cayman Islands is the low amateur. He’s posted three straight 73s and sits at +9, T45.
Top 10 Players After US Open Round 3
- Sam Burns (-3)
- Adam Scott, J.J. Spaun (-2)
- Viktor Hovland (-1)
- Carlos Ortiz (E)
- Tyrrell Hatton, Thriston Lawrence (+1)
- Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (+2)
- MacIntyre, Cameron Young (+3)
For the complete US Open Round 3 scores and updated standings, check out the official leaderboard here.
Final Thoughts on US Open Round 3
US Open Round 3 set up a thrilling Sunday. The course remains challenging. However, the leaderboard is tight. With just one player in the top 10 holding a major (Scott), nerves could decide the outcome. Tomorrow, we’ll see who can handle the heat and the humps of Oakmont best.
Stay tuned — the final round promises drama, heart, and maybe even history.
Highlights of US Open Round 3
Watch all the best moments, big birdies, near-aces, and clutch par saves from Round 3. Courtesy: USGA.
