Mental strength key to Rose’s US Open bid

Justin Rose is one shot off the lead going into the final round of the US Open.

Justin Rose says a strong mental game could be the key to US Open success on Sunday as he sits just one shot off the lead heading into the final round at Pebble Beach (Justin Rose 7/4 FAV – US Open outright).

Trailing by two strokes at the halfway stage of the tournament, Englishman Rose made five birdies and two bogeys for a three-under-par round of 68 to move onto -10 after 54 holes.

American Gary Woodland, whose best US Open finish is a tie for 23rd back in 2011, leads on -11 after signing for a two-under-par 69, his worst score of the week, and he is 2/1 to break his Major duck.

Defending champion Brooks Koepka (5/1), fellow American Chez Reavie (33/1) and South African Louis Oosthuizen (12/1) share third on -7, four strokes off the pace, while Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy (10/1) is a further shot back on -6.

American pair Matt Kuchar and Chesson Hadley are both on -5, while Englishman Danny Willett shot a round of the day 67 to climb into a five-way share on -4.

Sunday is gearing up to be a spectacular end to the third Major of the season and Rose, who won the 2013 US Open, believes staying mentally strong is a must over the final 18 holes.

He said: “I haven’t had my A game all week, might not have it tomorrow, and Sunday might be that kind of day where you have to be as mentally strong as you can.”

Woodland also spoke ahead of the final round and he is feeling comfortable as he bids to land his first Major.

“You are at a major and leading after three days,” he said. “I’m very comfortable with my game and here at Pebble Beach.”

Odds subject to change.