Rickie Fowler and Wyndham Clark will be the final group out at the US Open for the second day in succession after producing solid rounds on Saturday.
Over the first two days, some of the low scores at Los Angeles Country Club led to criticism over its bite, yet the firmer ground and greens resulted in some shots being given back during the third round.
Nevertheless, Fowler and Clark remain at the top of the leaderboard, with Clark recording a one-under-par round of 69 to head into Sunday level with Fowler.
The scenario in front of both could have been very different, though, with Clark's six-footer for birdie on the last being followed by Fowler three-putting and giving up a two-shot lead.
In the grand scheme of things, the American duo will be satisfied with their efforts, yet Rory McIlroy continues to lurk just one shot behind in third.
After two birdies from his first three holes, the four-time major champion would have hoped for more, although going through the tougher final nine holes in level par means that he is handily placed.
The same can be said of world number one Scottie Scheffler, who holed out for eagle from 196 yards on the 17th hole before converting a birdie opportunity on the last to sit just three shots adrift of the leaders.
🗣️ "I suppose that's why you're the World number 1!"
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) June 18, 2023
Scottie Scheffler 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/FyYr7T69YJ
Harris English, Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele all shot over-par rounds, but none of them are out of contention sitting no more than five shots back.
Tom Kim produced the best round on Saturday - firing in a 66 to surge up the standings - and he is joined in a share of ninth by Bryson Dechambeau and Cameron Smith.
Japan's Ryutaro Nagano is the wildcard of the contenders, with the Japanese backing up Friday's 67 with a 68 on Saturday to sit just in front of the aforementioned PGA Tour and LIV Golf stars in eighth.
Darren Plant
