Scottie Scheffler's strong finish puts him within striking range for U.S. Open
World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler needed a strong finish to get back into contention at the U.S. Open and did just that with an eagle and birdie on the final two holes on Saturday.
His make on 17 was arguably the best shot of the tournament so far.
Only six U.S. Open champions have come back from down five or more strokes entering the final round and Scheffler bolstered his standing further with a birdie on 18 to finish the round with his second consecutive 68.
Scheffler entered the tournament as the favorite to win his first U.S. Open. Last year, he tied for second at the event. In golf's last major, the PGA Championship in May, Scheffler finished tied for second as well.
Rickie Fowler, the leader entering Saturday, failed to build any separation between himself and the field and he finished his round at an even 70 to remain at 10-under-par.
Like Scheffler, Fowler's previous best finish at the U.S. Open is a tie for second. He is currently tied with Wyndham Clark, a player who made his first cut at the event this year, for the lead after 54 holes.
Rory McIlroy, the 2011 U.S. Open winner, is a stroke behind the co-leaders and will be paired with Scheffler on Sunday.
This U.S. Open has already been memorable for the historic low scores by Fowler and Xander Schauffele on Thursday, Fowler's 18 birdies through 36 holes and the course's historically-short Par-3 15th hole during the third round.
It makes sense that the finale promises to be one to remember, too. If Scheffler manages to storm back for the win, we'll look back at his incredible make on the 17th hole on Saturday as the start of his comeback.
More must-reads: