U.S. Open third round: What the leaders need to do on the weekend

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PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 14: Justin Rose of England waves on the eighth green during the second round of the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on June 14, 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Photo by Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images) /

Justin Rose – Start hitting the greens

Justin Rose had a historic start to the U.S. Open, shooting a six-under 65 on Thursday to tie Tiger Woods’ record for the lowest round ever recorded in an Open at Pebble Beach. He followed that up with a one-under 70 on Friday and enters the weekend just two off the lead at seven-under as he seeks his second U.S. Open title.

That’s not surprising for a player who has been No. 1 in the world as recently as three months ago. What is surprising is that Rose is doing it despite not being on the green.

Rose has only hit 19 of 36 greens in regulation through two rounds, 66th of the 79 players who made the cut. He’s 67th in fairways hit and 54th in strokes gained: approach. That continues an alarming trend this season on the PGA Tour where Rose ranks 118th in greens in regulation after being inside the top 30 the previous two seasons.

Where Rose has made up for it, however, is on the greens. He leads the field this week in putts per green and is third in strokes gained: putting. He’s also first in strokes gained: around the green.

Rose is putting well enough to add to the title he won at Merion in 2013. Now he just needs to start giving himself more opportunities.

Rose and Woodland tee off in the final group on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. local time (5:45 EST).

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