Erin: Rickie Fowler is confident of “getting the job done” after resurrecting his hopes of a maiden major at the US Open on Saturday.
The 28-year-world No. 9 got off to a flying start on Thursday with a seven-under-par 65 but saw his momentum falter on Friday with one-over-par 73.
On Saturday, Fowler exploited the benign conditions at Erin Hills to haul himself back into the frame.
A four-under-par 68 left him at 10 under heading into the final Sunday, two behind the lead.
While Fowler still has ground to make up, he was pleased with a strong finish that saw him pick up strokes with three birdies on the 14th, 15th and 16th.
“It’s going to be a really cool day for someone tomorrow,” said Fowler, who has posted six top-10 finishes in majors during his career, including a second-place finish at the 2014 US Open.
“I’m looking forward to my shot at it, I know it’s not going to be an easy day, for sure,” Fowler said.
“I’ve been there a handful of times and had some good finishes. But I’m looking forward to getting the job done.”
Fowler agreed that the wide open leaderboard — none of the top 16 players have won a major — made it anyone’s title to win.
“A lot of young guys, lot of great players,” he said. “Someone has a very good chance of ending up with their first major tomorrow.”
Fowler is also buoyed by the knowledge that his biggest tournament wins have usually come when he has emerged from the field — even though that can increase the pressure to pick up shots.
“My wins have been from behind,” he said. “It’s sometimes nice being out front because you can afford to make a mistake.
“But I’ll take exactly where I’m at. This was the goal going into the week to put ourselves in position to be in contention on Sunday. Whether that was two back, two up front or tied for the lead — let’s go.”
