OAKMONT, Pennsylvania: World No.1 Jason Day has surged into contention and is stalking a nervous bunch of non-major winners heading towards the final round at the US Open.
Day produced an impressive four-under-66 in a yet to be concluded third round, surging from 45th to a tie for eighth at one over par at Oakmont Country Club.
![Lurking in the shadows: Jason Day plays his shot from the ninth tee during the third round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont ...](/web/20160620142304im_/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/m/k/9/p/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gpmk7q.png/1466308554751.jpg)
All seven of the players above him have yet to claim a major championship, ensuring his presence will increase the nerves as they hunt the biggest win of their lives.
Ireland's Shane Lowry leads the way, pushing into a two-shot lead at five under with four holes left to play in his third round.
![In pursuit: Jason Day began the final day's play a few shots off the lead.](/web/20160620142304im_/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/m/k/9/q/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gpmk7q.png/1466381559323.jpg)
Lowry has never finished higher than ninth in majors, although he did win a World Golf Championship event last year.
Andrew Landry, the world No.624 remains the biggest surprise packet.
The little known Texan, on major debut, is three under with five holes left in round three.
And then comes a trio who headline the 'greatest players to have never won a major' list, having thrown away numerous chances.
![In contention: Andrew Landry.](/web/20160620142304im_/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/m/k/a/b/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gpmk7q.png/1466308554751.jpg)
England's Lee Westwood (15 holes), Spain's Sergio Garcia (14 holes) and American Dustin Johnson (13 holes) sit tied third at two under par.
Westwood has 11 top-five finishes in majors, nine of which are top three, without ever claiming a win.
![Surprise leader: Irishman Shane Lowry.](/web/20160620142304im_/http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/content/dam/images/g/p/m/k/a/4/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gpmk7q.png/1466308554751.jpg)
Garcia is in his 71st major and holds 20 top 10 finishes and is four times a runner up.
And Johnson has 11 top 10s in majors, famously bombing on several occasions, including last years US Open where he had a 12-foot putt to win, only to three-putt to miss a playoff.
Branden Grace at one under and Scott Piercy at even par are the other two non-major winners currently standing between Day and a second career defining trophy.
"It depends how they look at it," a diplomatic Day said of the potential nerves.
"It's good to have a major under my belt, but I'm just trying to win the tournament. That's all I want to do is try to win the tournament.
"I think I've given myself an opportunity getting there. We'll see how those guys go in the morning and hopefully, I'll be right there."
Day is seeking to become the first player to win a major with an opening round 76 or higher since Jack Fleck won the 1955 US Open.
Having trailed by 10 after round one a win would mark the largest comeback over the final 54 holes in US Open history.
He has the advantage of going home and sleeping in on what is American Father's Day, looking at a final round tee time somewhere after 2pm local time.
Players not yet finished must restart round three at 7am, before returning for round four, making a gruelling day on the course in what is forecast to be steamy conditions.
Former world No.1 Adam Scott is the other lone Australian hope as the 2013 Masters champion sits just a shot further back at two over with one hole still to play in his third round.
AAP
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