SHANE LOWRY IS 18 holes away from becoming a Major champion as he takes a four shot lead into the final round of the US Open at Oakmont.
The Offaly man concluded his third round on Sunday morning, carding two birdies down the home straight to record a superb 65 and pull clear of the chasing pack.
Sitting on seven-under-par, Lowry is four clear of Americans Dustin Johnson and Andrew Landry, with veteran Englishman Lee Westwood and Daniel Summerhays a further shot back.
Only six players were under par and none of those had won a major.
“Really good morning work for me and I am looking forward to getting back out there and see what I can do,” Lowry said.
“That’s one of the best rounds of my career there — 65 is very good on this course. I just need to stay patient and see what happens this afternoon.
“I’ve been playing well and not getting the results that I deserve.”
Lowry drained birdie putts on 15 and 17 and then held his nerve to hole a 10-foot par putt on the final hole to preserve his healthy advantage heading into the biggest round of his career.
The 29-year-old, ranked 41st in the world, held a two shot lead overnight with the players forced to return to the course early on Sunday morning to finish their third rounds.
Lowry picked up where he left off last night as he recorded birdies number six and seven of a polished round which demonstrated all his class and maturity.
The challenge now is to continue his superb form into the final 18 holes of the week while also fending off a talented chasing pack including Lee Westwood and Dustin Johnson, who are both also chasing their maiden Major title.
No player from the Republic of Ireland has ever won the US Open, although Northern Irishmen Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy have both won the tournament in recent years.
To join them on the roll of honour would be the high point of Lowry’s blossoming career after his breakthrough win at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational last year.
Lowry will begin his final round at 8.30pm Irish time, alongside world number 624 Landry.
With reporting from AFP
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