Adam Scott in the hunt for a long-awaited major title following impressive third round at the US Open

Adam Scott is just one stroke behind the leader as he prepares to join the last group for the final round of the US Open on Monday morning (AEST).

Scott achieved the equal best score of the day with an impressive 3-under 67, putting him in a tie for second place, just one shot shy of Sam Burns. He is the third player in history to record three consecutive rounds of 70 or better at the US Open held at Oakmont.

After making a bogey on the par-4 first hole, Scott recovered beautifully, regaining his lost shot at the fourth and then maintaining his composure with pars leading to the 12th.

His performance peaked with remarkable back-to-back birdies at 13 and 14, the latter of which positioned him in a share for the lead, followed by another birdie on the 17th hole.

JJ Spaun, who had been leading for quite some time, stumbled with a bogey at the 18th hole, dropping him back into a tie for second with Scott and allowing the Australian to be placed in the final group.

Scott mentioned that he has been taking a conservative approach on the challenging Oakmont course, which has proven punishing for many players.

“I’ve been playing from the fairway quite a bit – I’ve taken a rather conservative strategy and haven’t pressured myself too much,” Scott stated after his round.

“Tomorrow’s another day. A lot can happen in 18 holes out there, but I’m pleased with what I’ve accomplished so far.”

Following Saturday morning’s rainfall, which softened the course and required players to adapt, Scott remained committed to his safe style of play.

“It was clearly softer, and managing spin to some of the pins was quite a challenge, but I avoided pressing it. I opted for safer shots, accepting that I might not finish right next to the hole if I wasn’t fully dialled in.”

“On the 18th, I was left with a less-than-ideal number and had to aim it out to the right – it was a poor shot, but I played it safe to avoid any issues on the left, and overall I felt I managed it well.”

In the meantime, fellow Australian Marc Leishman, who earned his spot in the tournament through qualifying, made a significant upward move in the standings with a 2-under 68, placing him in an 11-way tie for 11th place at 4-over, eight shots off the lead.

The 41-year-old managed to card five birdies within his first twelve holes. After clinching his maiden LIV title at Doral in April, Leishman remarked that he is, “playing some of the finest golf of my career”.

“The schedule has allowed the opportunity to work on my game between tournaments, and that enabled me to prepare well for this event,” he added.

This marks Leishman’s first major appearance since the 2022 British Open, and he has already secured his exemption for this year’s British Open following a strong third-place finish at the Australian Open in December.

Jason Day trails at 5-over while Cam Davis sits at 19-over. They are the only two Australians left competing after Cameron Smith and Min Woo Lee did not make the cut.

Meanwhile, Davis recorded a disappointing 12-over 82 in the third round, placing him at the bottom of the remaining competitors. Due to the odd number of players who made the cut, he will be paired with a non-competitive marker and will tee off first in the final round.

If Scott manages to secure his second major title, he will set a new record for the longest gap between first and second major victories, having waited over 12 years since his triumph in the 2013 Masters.

“It would be incredibly satisfying,” Scott commented.

2025 US Open leaderboard, Australian scores

“Every player here has their own journey. Being in such positions doesn’t occur by chance. It’s truly challenging to achieve.

“I haven’t found myself in this kind of position for the past five or six years, not feeling like the player I aspire to be. But this is what I aim for—it’s not easy to attain that goal.

“Should I come away with a win tomorrow, it would be a remarkable round of golf and a significant highlight in my career.”

Scott will begin his round at 4.15am Monday (AEST).