Bryson DeChambeau was forced into receiving physio treatment in the depths of the Pinehurst woods during the third round of the U.S. Open. DeChambeau has played himself into contention to win a second major championship in North Carolina on moving day, having burst into the outright lead after making the turn in round three. The American star played a superb bunker shot at the par-five 10th, before rolling in for birdie to edge himself into the lead in North Carolina. Heading to the 11th tee however it appeared a hip issue that had been bothering the American throughout the opening nine holes proved all too much, after he called in an on-course physio for some treatment ahead of his 11th tee shot. READ MORE: Shane Lowry makes frank admission over ‘mental torture’ of US Open as stars struggleREAD MORE: Francesco Molinari produces moment of magic with hole-in-one to show ultimate clutch gene at US Open TV cameras from above captured the LIV Golf star lay in the Pinehurst woods, while the physio attempted to ease the pain down his right side. It was quickly back to business though, and in typical DeChambeau fashion, the American pulled off a headcover before crunching his driver down the 11th fairway. His 359-yard tee shot left himself just 120-yards into the green, and after showing off his power, he proved he has the touch with his short game too. He played an impressive wedge shot into the green, before rolling in the following putt for to record back-to-back birdies either side of his massage. The 2020 U.S. Open champion has often been a divisive figure during his professional career, and this only accelerated after he opted to join LIV Golf two years ago. Despite this, DeChambeau appears to be a fan-favourite in North Carolina this week, and is no doubt pleased with his reception. For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US. Hyping up the Pinehurst crowd in an interview on Friday, the American told Sky Sports: “They’re awesome [the fans]. They’ve been super nice to me and it’s fun feeding off that energy. I love it. I’ve learned a lot about myself in general and what makes me not just a better golfer, but person – how can I be more entertaining and give the fans what they deserve?” In Saturday’s third round, DeChambeau played in the final group alongside his European rival Ludvig Aberg, who was the 36-hole leader at five-under. In typical Ryder Cup fashion, the American had the home crowd behind whilst competing with Aberg, having been granted to chants of ‘USA! USA! USA!’ whilst making his way down the first hole. Despite often being the entertainer, DeChambeau admitted he needed to play ‘boring golf’ to get himself in the mix come Sunday. “It’s going to be an interesting test of golf over the weekend,” he said. “I’m not necessarily going to attack it. I’m looking to play some solid, boring golf. If I can do that, I’ll give myself a great shot. Sometimes when I get a little tight out there I don’t do my best, so, for me, freeing up is key.” DeChambeau boasts a three-shot lead heading into Sunday’s final round ahead of Patrick Cantlay, Rory McIlroy and Matthieu Pavon.
