Rose one shot off lead, in familiar position at U.S. Open
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PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 15: Justin Rose of England reacts on the 18th green during the third round of the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on June 15, 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – Justin Rose is in a familiar position, entering the final round of a U.S. Open with just a slim margin standing between himself and the leader.
Rose was two shots off the lead entering the final round of the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club. He shot 70 to win his first major championship by two strokes.
Six years later, he’ll start the final round of a U.S. Open trailing the leader by a single shot. Rose sits at 10-under 203, one shot behind Gary Woodland.
“I’m in a great position going into tomorrow,” Rose said. “One back gives me the freedom to feel like I’ve got everything to gain, nothing to lose.”
Phil Mickelson was the 54-hole leader at Merion. He already owned four majors and was trying to complete the career Grand Slam. Fate appeared to be on his side when he holed a wedge shot on 10 for eagle. Late bogeys led to another runner-up at the only major he has yet to win.
“I think at Merion I wasn't afraid to lose, and that's probably a good mindset going into (Sunday),” Rose said.
Rose is trying to become the first reigning FedExCup champion to win a U.S. Open since Tiger Woods in 2008. He is 10th in this season’s standings as he tries to join Woods as the only two-time winner of the TOUR’s season-long title.
Rose won earlier this year down the California coast, claiming the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. He relied on his trademark ball-striking to win that title. It’s been his short game leading the way this week. He’s hit barely more than half the fairways and greens at Pebble Beach, ranking outside the top 60 in both statistics.
He’s second in Strokes Gained: Around-the-Green and first in Strokes Gained: Putting, though. He’s made just five bogeys despite missing 26 greens.
“My stats probably aren't great, hitting fairways, hitting greens,” Rose said. “But I hit more quality golf shots. I did the right thing with the golf ball on a couple of occasions today. So hopefully we can hit a couple more tomorrow. But I think I’m going the right direction."
Sean Martin manages PGATOUR.COM’s staff of writers as the Lead, Editorial. He covered all levels of competitive golf at Golfweek Magazine for seven years, including tournaments on four continents, before coming to the PGA TOUR in 2013. Follow Sean Martin on Twitter.