Record smashing Thomas grabs U.S. Open lead

[rooster59]

Record smashing Thomas grabs U.S. Open lead

By Steve Keating

 

Jun 17, 2017; Erin, WI, USA; Justin Thomas plays his shot from the first tee during the third round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Erin Hills. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

 

ERIN, Wisconsin (Reuters) - American Justin Thomas carded a nine-under 63 to equal the lowest score ever at a major and roar into the third-round clubhouse lead at a helter-skelter U.S. Open on Saturday.

 

Thomas, decked out in shocking fluorescent pink pants, produced a no less electric performance that featured nine birdies, two bogeys and was capped with a record-smashing eagle at the par-five 18th to complete the best single round in U.S. Open history, in relation to par.

 

Johnny Miller owned the previous best round of eight-under 63 set at the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont.

 

The historic round also took Thomas, a three-time winner on the PGA Tour this season, to 11-under for the championship and a two-shot lead over compatriot Brian Harman and Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, still on the course.

 

Once again golfers were taking full advantage of a softened Erin Hills layout left defenceless by overnight rain, attacking the pins with gusto.

American Patrick Reed also flirted with the U.S. Open record, signing for a seven-under 65 to headline a pack of five at eight-under.

 

It was all part of a dizzying day at the U.S. Open where at times the leaderboard resembled a game of musical chairs with names moving up and down.

 

At one time seven players were tied for the lead at seven-under and then again at eight-under with nobody able to gain separation until Thomas ripped a mighty three-wood second shot and then drained his eight-foot eagle putt at 18 sparking thundering roars from the massive gallery.

 

Not everyone was participating in the birdie binge. Englishman Paul Casey who had a share of the overnight lead, crashed down the leaderboard with a triple bogey to sit six off the pace with nine to play.

 

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2017-06-18

 

 

[Skeptic7]

Amazing round of golf, but the game just ain't the same without Tigger to cheer against!!! Especially the past few years where his PED body was failing and he was MC or dead last in most tourneys! Good to at least see his mug(shot) on TV recently!