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Patrick Reed exceeds expectations to move in to US Open contention

By Ali Stafford in Wisconsin

Saturday 17 June 2017 22:19, UK

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Patrick Reed set a testing early clubhouse target after a stunning third-round 65 at the US Open

Patrick Reed hopes to take his new-found momentum in to the final round after surging up the leaderboard during moving day at the US Open.

Reed began the day six strokes off the pace but set the early clubhouse lead at Erin Hills after a birdie-filled 65 on Saturday, where he felt he could have posted an even lower score.

The American cancelled out a 12-foot gain with a blemish at the fifth, before a hat-trick of birdies from the sixth saw him reach the turn in 33.

HARTFORD, WI - JUNE 17: Patrick Reed of the United States pulls a club from his bag as he prepares to play a shot on the 17th hole during the third round
Image: Reed fired a blemish-free 65 on Saturday

Reed added another birdie at the 12th before posting three consecutive gains from the 14th - including a 20-footer at the 16th - to equal the lowest round of the week.

"I felt like the driver wasn't as solid as it was yesterday," Reed said. "I still feel like I missed some golf shots there.

HARTFORD, WI - JUNE 17: Patrick Reed
Image: Reed is searching for a maiden major title

"I kind of did what I need to do today, shoot a low number and get myself back in this golf tournament. I was thinking if you can get to four or five under par today, it would be a pretty good score to get yourself in the golf tournament.

"Going out and shooting seven under exceeded where my goal was and that's always a positive. It just kind of builds up momentum and carries it over for tomorrow."

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Ryder Cup team-mate Jordan Spieth saw his hopes ended when he stuttered along the closing stretch, following back-to-back bogeys from the 16th with a double-bogey at the last.

The 2015 champion admitted to struggling with the putter during the opening round and suffered another cold day on the greens, requiring 34 putts in his four-over 76.

Jordan Spieth of the United States lines up a putt on the second green during the third round of the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills
Image: Spieth claimed a one-shot win in 2015

"It's been an off-putting week for me," Spieth said. "I've been striking the ball well; it's just been trying to figure it out on and around the greens.

"I feel like once the cannon gets open, I'll start pouring them in. It's trying to get them open and trying to have a round right.

Jordan Spieth of the United States plays his second shot on the third hole during the third round of the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills
Image: The American lies in a share of 59th spot

"I'm just thinking a lot about my stroke, stance - stuff you would rather not be thinking about. You'd rather think about line of pace, but I can't do that yet because I haven't figured out the other part."

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