Matt Fitzpatrick Makes History With Thrilling US Open Triumph

Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm and a host of talented non-Major winners have a chance to make history at Brookline later today - who will be the 2022 US Open winner?

GOOD AFTERNOON!

Matt Cradock here from a hayfever hit Oxfordshire to take you through the final round of US Open action! Saturday proved to be a thrilling third day, with Matt Fitzpatrick and Will Zalatoris in a share of the lead at -4. A number of big names are in pursuit of the duo though, as Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy sit within just three shots.

TEE TIMES

Yesterday saw the leaders go out at 3.45pm local (8.45pm BST). On Sunday, we see play begin an hour earlier, with Fitzpatrick and Zalatoris teeing off at 2.45pm local (7.45pm BST)

The Contenders

With the leaders not off till this evening we take a look at those who are vying for the trophy. Starting with Will Zalatoris who, amazingly, is yet to pick up a PGA Tour title, let alone a Major. In nine Major starts though he has had five top 10 finishes, including a playoff loss to Justin Thomas at the 2022 PGA Championship.  

The Contenders

One of the most in-form players in the world, Matt Fitzpatrick has enjoyed a string of fantastic results, including seven top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour in 2022. Nine years ago, the Englishman claimed the US Amateur at Brookline and will be looking to replicate the feat today.

The Contenders 

Last year's winner, Jon Rahm, sits just one shot off the leaders, with the defending champion rueing a costly double bogey at the last on Saturday. The Spaniard had been flying around Brookline, with three birdies in four holes giving him the outright lead going down the 18th. However, his second stayed in the bunker as he finished one shot back. Rahm is looking to become the first player to defend the US Open since Brooks Koepka in 2017 & 18.

WEATHER UPDATE

The first groups tee off in around 20 minutes and, according to those on the ground, it is rather grey and windy. Looking at the report, it could be a common theme throughout the day, making scoring similar to that of yesterday!

The Contenders 

Back to those vying for the title, and Boston's own Keegan Bradley, who will be looking to secure his second Major triumph. Yesterday, the hometown favourite shot a one-under-par of 69 to sit two back, with the American describing the walk up the 18th "one of the most amazing moments of my entire life.”

The Contenders

Adam Hadwin actually led the US Open after day one and has done well to stay in contention. What's more, the Canadian is only in the event after Paul Casey withdrew due to a back injury, with Hadwin the first alternate from the Dallas qualifier. If he were to claim victory, Hadwin would become the first Canadian to win the US Open.

PIN POSITIONS 

Some of these pin positions look BRUTAL and it appears most on Twitter agree! This is going to be fun...

The Contenders

World No.1, Scottie Scheffler, led by two shots at one point yesterday after a stunning hole-out eagle at the par 5 eighth. The 25-year-old struggled over the back nine though, with a closing 39 putting him into a share of fourth. He has four PGA Tour wins already in 2022, including the Masters, so write him off at your peril! 

The Contenders

Sam Burns is looking for a third title in 2022 and, after rounds of 71, 67 and 71, he is just three shots back of the leaders. The 25-year-old's best finish in a Major came at the 2022 PGA Championship, where he finished in a tie for 20th. At Brookline, he will be looking to do better.

FIRST GROUP UNDERWAY

The first group of Harris English and Stewart Hagestad get the final day's action underway at Brookline. At the par 4 first, English makes a bogey, whilst amateur Hagestad produces a par.

The Contenders

Following his RBC Canadian Open win last week, Rory McIlroy was the favourite coming into the US Open and, with 18 holes remaining, he is still in a good position to secure a fifth Major title. After yesterday's round, the 33-year-old admitted that he struggled to cope with the blustery, cool conditions, stating: “It was one of the toughest days on a golf course I've had in a long time."

The Contenders

Joel Dahmen began the third day in a share of the lead with Collin Morikawa. Despite four bogies in his first eight holes, the American battled back bravely, as 10 straights pars meant a round of 74 and just a three shot deficit to the leaders.

The Contenders

The last of the players in the top 10 is Nick Hardy who, thanks to rounds of 69, 68 and 73, sits just four back. The 26-year-old's best result in 2022 came at the NV5 Invitational on the Korn Ferry Tour, with Hardy looking to secure the biggest paycheck of his career.

That's the top 10 on the leaderboard and now back onto the course where the early starters are underway. Currently, no-one is under par on Sunday, although players are only through a handful of holes. Some big names are about to begin though, with Tyrrell Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau starting their final rounds.

AWAY FROM THE US OPEN

Away from the US Open, Graeme McDowell has suggested that the negativity heaped on the new LIV Golf Series is the result of a smear campaign. In a tweet by the 42-year-old, McDowell stated that: "There is room for the sport for this product. Once the smear campaign dies down and the golf takes over, we will see.” Check out the full story here.

DeChambeau plays a spot of tennis at the par 3 2nd. After finding the thick rough to the left of the green with his tee shot, the American then thins his second over to the other side before his third then flies the green again! The 2020 US Open winner does eventually find the dance floor, as a seven-foot putt leads to an early double bogey.

EARLY SCORES

The early action is showing that, despite the morning rain, scoring is still limited. Currently, no one is under par, with a handful of players level as groups begin their final day in Brookline.

AMATEUR BATTLE

As the leaders wait to go off it may be worth keeping an eye on the battle for the top performing amateur. Currently, Travis Vick leads by two shots over Sam Bennett and tees off at 10.44am local time (15.44 BST).

Some of the big names are struggling over the early stages of the final round, with Tyrrell Hatton +2, Bryson DeChambeau +3 and both Max Homa and Patrick Reed +1

Justin Thomas begins his final round seven shots back of the leaders. It may be worth noting that when he won last month's PGA Championship, he also started the same amount of shots back. Do you fancy his chances on Sunday?

American, Chris Gotterup, is making the early moves on Sunday. The 22-year-old is -2 thru four holes and jumping up the leaderboard at a rate of knots.

PLAYERS UNDER PAR

After a slow start, a number of players are now under par, with Max Homa producing back-to-back birdies to get to -1 for his day. Along with the American, Todd Sinnott, Callum Tarren and Sebastian Soderberg are also under par.

WOW! 

Grayson Murray with an absolute head off on the 7th! Following a quadruple bogey, the American launches his putter with a cricket-like throw. Suspect there may be a slight fine coming his way...

SIGNING OFF

Well, after that rather unsavoury moment from Grayson Murray, it's time for me to sign off and hand over to the much more level-headed, Sam Tremlett. As the big names tee off this evening I am very much looking forward to a thrilling finale tonight. Hope you all have a great Major final day 

HELLO ALL

It is final round time at the US Open and I am super excited. Some big names, lesser-known players, a great course and hopefully some conditions, let's have a day out there!

JT LOOKING SHARP

First thing I see is JT's Greyson Koko camo hoodie and I love it, got to get myself one of those. He also goes over to the starter to wind him up about calling him Justin Thompson yesterday. They both had a good laugh about that!

TEE TIMES OVER NEXT COUPLE OF HOURS

Here are the tee times over the next couple of hours. Fir the full list and to see when the leaders are off click here. 

FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTES

Justin Thomas is also leading the way today on tributes to his dad Mike, who is also his coach. He is doing so with some super crispy FootJoy Tarlow golf shoes.

Xander has teed off by the way and he is struggling to make par after missing the 1st green. 

PERSONAL APOLOGY FROM ME

I should take this moment to apologise to the players I picked before and during the tournament because I am clearly a curse. Yesterday I liked Koepka and Morikawa, and both went in the opposite direction. 

I will refrain from making any picks today as a result. 

PLAYOFF BOUND TODAY?

The great Justin Ray always delivers...

We could be in for a playoff today and it is no longer an 18-hole affair, now it is just two holes. To read more about the change, have a read of our post on it the new format.

FAVE PIC OF THE DAY SO FAR

This really made me laugh, what an absolute legend

BEST ROUND ON THE COURSE SO FAR?

That belongs to Italian Guido Migliozzi, who is two-under through five holes, as well as Chris Gotterup and previous leader MJ Daffue. 

The worst rounds so far? Harris English, amateur Austin Greaser, and Grayson Murray who are all seven-over. Murray in particular seems to be on the verge of exploding, after throwing his putter, and just breaking a club. 

SHOW EVERY GRAYSON MURRAY SHOT

Come on Sky, I need you to show every shot from Murray who is having a tough time it seems. Is it bad I am hoping for more fireworks? Probably

WORST OUTFIT SO FAR?

Richard Bland by an absolute mile, what is that yellow shirt, sheesh. (picture coming soon)

GOTTERUP THREE-UNDER THROUGH 8

Chris Gotterup is showing everyone how to play Brookline today. He is three-under through eight holes and doesn't have a bogey on his final round card yet. He is now four-over and what would the leaders do for a front nine like that later?

TV COVERAGE NOT GOOD

I will say it, the TV coverage and the sheer number of commercials in the UK and US has been absolutely shocking. Really hard to cover the tournament live, hard to actually get into the flow of the golf, and we miss so many shots. Very frustrating indeed

SOME HORSES ABOUT TO TEE OFF

In the next three groups teeing off we have Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay and Collin Morikawa. Talk about some absolute players. (Sorry Cameron Tringale and Patrick Rodgers)

GUIDO WITH EAGLE AT 8

With three birdies and a bogey today, Migliozzi is moving up the leaderboard nicely, and he makes a further jump after hitting a great fairway wood for his second shot at the par-5 8th. He had a short-ish eagle putt and knocks it in to get to two-over. Great stuff. 

RAHM WITH MAMBA MENTALITY

This is the 2nd day in a row Jon Rahm has turned up to the course wearing Nike Kobe Bryant basketball shoes. The NBA legend was famous for his incredible drive to win so Rahm is clearly using that as inspiration. The bright green color would not have been the model I would've picked though

US TV COVERAGE NEWS

I bring good news (I think), for you golf fans in the United States!

HUGHES BIRDIES TWO OF FOUR

Canadian MacKenzie Hughes gets in on the birdie action as he has three's on the 1st and 4th holes to get to two-over. Dude is a class player and must be a shoe in for the President's Cup later this year right?

SPEAKING OF THE PRESIDENT'S CUP

I just had a quick Google, and here are the current standings for the International Team by the way. Some absolute studs in there. 

SOFTER GREENS TODAY

The greens definitely look a touch softer today and the wind is coming from the same direction as yesterday so I do expect lower scores compared to the 3rd round. This begs the question, what will the winning score be? I think -6 or -7 will get the job done right now. 

WHEN IS IT ACCEPTABLE TO GRAB A BEER?

I know I am working, but I am already considering opening a beer. In the next few hours things are really going to hot up and it is one of the best weekends of the year so how can I not right? Maybe I should wait until my live blog shift finishes to open the Guinness. 

IS THIS LEGIT?

I think I was in a commercial break so didn't see Morikawa tee off, but if this is true...

Justin Thomas got the treatment yesterday and now Collin!? (If it is just a joke, Chantel you well and truly got me.)

CANTLAY BIRDIES FIRST TWO

The Ryder Cupper has started as well as anyone today, with two birdies on his two opening holes. I legitimately didn't realise he had made the weekend until an hour or so ago which shows how underwhelming he often is in Majors. Fair play to him though, great start. 

BATTLE FOR LOW AMATEUR

How things stand for the four amateurs who made the cut? Travis Vick is leading the way at the moment. 

Vick +5

Bennett +8

Hagestad +17 

Greaser +17

PRIZE MONEY REMINDER

Just to anyone who is unaware, Jon Rahm won $2,250,000 for winning at Torrey Pines last year but in 2022 the winner will cash a cheque for $3,150,000. To see how the rest of the prize money breaks down, click here. 

HIDEKI AND DJ TEE OFF

What a group that is although I can't imagine they will talk to each other that much today. Both players sit at two-over. 

VICK'S LEAD DOWN TO 2

Amateur Travis Vick just made a bogey at the 11th and his lead for low amateur is down to two ahead of Sam Bennett. Exciting finish coming there I think. 

LIV GOLF FACING EXPULSION FROM MAJORS?

I did try and make this blog a LIV Golf free zone but we have just published a piece suggesting that players in the Saudi-backed Series may be ineligible for future Majors. Check out the full piece here

GRAYSON HAS STEADIED THE SHIP

Murray, who earlier threw his putter and snapped a club, seems to have steadied the ship with four straight pars. He is 10-over through 17 holes but I was hoping he was going to make scores of 3-4-5-6-7-8 today. He is just missing the six currently. 

TOP 11 STARTING TO TEE OFF

We are now approaching the business end of the tee times with the top-11 players starting to tee off. Hayden Buckley and Aaron Wise are next up and one hour and 22 minutes later, so are Will Zalatoris and Matt Fitzpatrick. Here we go people

EARLY BIRDIES FLYING IN

Morikawa, Riley and Munoz all make early birdies and get to one-over so there are birdies to be made out there on the opening few holes. Who of the top guys can start fast? 

Another question is how far back is too far back? All will unfold soon. 

WHO YOU GOT?

Chances are, the winner is going to be one of these guys so who have you got? Let us know via our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

POWER WITH BIRDIE AT 1

The Irishman Seamus Power makes a perfect start with a birdie at 1 to get to level par. Could he make a charge today?

THAT'S ONE WAY TO MAKE A PAR

Putnam makes an unorthodox par at 11 to say the least!

OVER AND OUT

That is it from me tonight, and Elliott Heath will take over for the next few hours. Earlier I was talking about waiting to open a beer and now I actually can! 

Take it away Elliott...

EVENING FOLKS

Hi all and thanks for joining us on the live blog today ahead of the final group teeing off in just over 40 minutes' time.

Right now I'm very excited to see who wins the low amateur honours - with Travis Vick currently two ahead of Sam Bennett with four holes remaining.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE PAR...

AMATEUR UPDATE

Travis Vick has hit a stunner into the 15th and will have around 8ft for birdie to get back to six-over-par. Sam Bennett is playing the last at nine-over currently.

RORY MCILROY UP NEXT

Rory goes off next with Sam Burns. This could be a HUGE day in McIlroy's career and, to be honest, a huge day for the game of golf if he can win Major no.5.

He was incredible on the back nine yesterday to bring it home under-par for the tournament but his long game is going to need to be better today.

MCILROY PIPES IT

Great drive from the Northern Irishman. Pitches in the middle of the fairway and just runs out into the first cut.

Playing partner Sam Burns, also one-under-par, tugs it left.

AMATEUR UPDATE

Sam Bennett bogeys the last to finish 10-over-par, meaning Travis Vick (+7) can drop two shots in his last three holes and still win the silver medal.

MCILROY FINDS THE GREEN ON 1ST

Middle of the green for McIlroy, very sensible.

RORY'S OPENING DRIVE

MCILROY BIRDIE

WOW. He keeps holing the putts! Stunning birdie at the 1st and he's two-under-par and within two.

Par his way in for his fifth Major?

MCILROY'S OPENING BIRDIE

He's found the green on the par-3 2nd but is a very long way away.

MCILROY PARS THE 2ND

Birdie-par start - very, very good.

SCHEFFLER WITHIN ONE

The World No.1 birdies the 1st to get to three-under-par.

SCHEFFLER'S OPENING BIRDIE

GUIDO

What a round from the Italian! Matches the low round of the week with a 66 (-4) to fly up the leaderboard. He's jumped to two-over-par and T17th, and he'll probably continue to climb the leaderboard as the day goes on.

The World No.171 will also get a big boost in the world rankings.

BIRDIE-BIRDIE FOR SCHEFFLER - TIED FOR THE LEAD!

The World No.1 has got off to a perfect start. Now joins Zalatoris and Fitzpatrick (who are teeing off now) at four-under-par.

LEADERS OFF

Fitzpatrick with a beauty down the middle and Zalatoris finds the semi rough. Good start for the two, who are both seeking their maiden Major and PGA Tour victories today. Let's hope they can give us a good show.

TRAVIS VICK LOW AMATEUR

Vick bogeys the 18th hole and finishes at eight-over-par, two ahead of Sam Bennett. Two fine performances and congratulations to Vick - a promising career ahead.

BOGEY FOR MCILROY

He drops a shot at the 3rd after pulling his second shot left and failing to get up-and-down. Back to one-over and three back.

Fitzpatrick hits a lovely iron into the 1st and he'll have a decent look at birdie.

SCHEFFLER'S BIRDIE AT THE 2ND

DENNY MCCARTHY WITHIN TWO

The American has birdied 1, 4 and 5 for a lightning start to reach two-under-par.

Home favourite Keegan Bradley has just three-putted the 2nd to fall to level par.

MCILROY BIRDIE AT 4

Who are you and what have you done with Rory McIlroy? He's holed them from everywhere today!

This time he boxes a 30 footer with a lot of right-to-left swing on it, and it was going a good 5ft by. Amazing. He's back to two-under and within two of the lead.

MCILROY'S BIRDIE AT THE 4TH

MCILROY BOGEY

After that stunning birdie at the 4th, Rory drops a shot at the drivable par-4 5th. His drive found the knee-high stuff well left and he eventually missed a 10 footer for his par save.

SCHEFFLER BIRDIE AGAIN!

The World No.1 has made three birdies in four holes today and he now leads on his own at five-under-par.

ZALATORIS' 'FIGURE OF EIGHT' PUTTING STROKE RETURNS...

FITZPATRICK BIRDIES THREE

A birdie at the 3rd for Fitzy and he joins Scheffler at five-under-par. Great start from the Englishman.

ANOTHER BOGEY FOR ZALATORIS

While Fitzpatrick is one-under after three, Zalatoris is now two-over after a second bogey.

MCILROY BIRDIES SIX

Another one! McIlroy makes a superb birdie 2 at the 6th for his third birdie of the day. He's two-under for the tournament now, within three.

SCHEFFLER AGAIN!

Birdies six and he's now four-under-par for the day!

One clear at six-under-par. Wow.

MCILROY BOGEY

McIlroy drops another shot and he's now had three birdies and three bogeys in seven holes. Too many mistakes from the Northern Irishman so far.

RAHM BOGEY

The Spaniard drops a shot at the 5th to fall to two-under-par.

Fitzpatrick and Scheffler are now three and four clear of third place.

FITZPATRICK JOINS THE LEAD

The Englishman two-putt birdies the drivable par-4 5th to reach six-under-par and join Scheffler.

They're now four clear of the field.

MCILROY BIRDIE CHANCE AT THE 8TH

After missing yet another fairway he chops out into more thick rough but manages to get an iron up to the green and within 20ft for birdie at the par-5. Starting to think that this needs to go in now as he's five back.

MCILROY FAILS TO BIRDIE THE PAR-5 8TH

Ouch. Putt slips by (it was a good 15-20ft mind you) but that's a bit of a blow there not birdieing the par-5. Still five back of Scheffler and Fitzpatrick.

FITZPATRICK BOGEYS SIX

A three-putt from absolutely miles away at the par-3 and the Englishman has fallen out of the lead, which is now held by Scottie Scheffler who is playing the par-5 8th.

ZALATORIS TO THREE-UNDER

TROUBLE FOR SCHEFFLER

He's just zipped a wedge back on the par-5 8th and it's rolled down all the way back to his feet. 

ZALATORIS' PUTTING STROKE ANALYSIS

He's just stiffed it on the 7th by the way and is going to get back to four-under for the tournament and level for the day. Up next, the par-5 8th.

SCHEFFLER PARS THE 8TH

After his wedge rolled back to his feet, he stuffs one into to 8ft and holes a lovely left-to-righter. Great par save.

HIDEKI CHARGING

He's just gone birdie-birdie at 12 and 13 (holing huge putts) and he's four-under-par for the day and two-under for the tournament!

MCILROY PARS NINE

Rory pars the 9th and he's out in level par to remain at one-under for the tournament, which is currently five back of Scottie Scheffler.

MATSUYAMA'S MONSTER BIRDIE PUTT AT 13

DAHMEN WITH A DART

The American hits a beauty into the long 10th to within tap-in range to save his par after chipping out. He's going under the radar but he's definitely in this!

RAHM BOGEYS THE 8TH

The Spaniard drops a shot at the par-5 8th and he falls to one-under, now five back of Scheffler.

Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, has just hit the par-5 green in two.

MCILROY UPDATE

He's just hit a beautiful birdie putt on the 10th, swinging right-to-left, but it grazes the lip and stays out. He's still one-under with just eight holes to play. You have to feel his race is run unless he gets hot on this back nine.

FITZPATRICK BACK IN THE LEAD

The Englishman makes the easiest of birdies at the par-5 8th. Now a bomber, he found the green in two and really took advantage of his new-found length. He joins Scheffler at six-under.

MATT 'BOMBER' FITZPATRICK'S EASY BIRDIE AT 8

MCILROY BOGEY

Ouch. Rory drops a shot at the tiny par-3 11th after missing the green right. He's over-par for the day now, level for the tournament and six back of the lead with seven to play. Race run.

Scheffler has just bogeyed 11 so Fitzpatrick now leads the US Open by one.

ZALATORIS TO FIVE-UNDER

The American holes a big left-to-righter at the ninth and suddenly he's within one! He's now under-par for the day after two early bogeys. He's got some serious grit.

MORIKAWA TWO-UNDER

The two-time Major champion, who held the 54-hole lead, now finds himself two-under par and four-under for the round with just one to play.

If he shot level par yesterday (he shot 77) he'd be three clear right now. Still, a fantastic recovery and yet another high finish in a Major awaits.

BRUTAL LIP OUT FOR SCHEFFLER

Ouch! Scheffler's five footer at the tiny par-3 11th lips out very harshly and he is going to drop to four-under and two back of Fitzpatrick.

RAHM UPDATE

The defending champ bogeys the 10th and he falls to level par with McIlroy. Both of their races now appear to be run. After his incredible back nine last night he has really struggled today.

MATSUYAMA TO THREE-UNDER

Hideki makes yet another birdie, this time a 2 at the par-3 16th and he's two pars away from the first 65 of the week. Currently in fourth spot. I wonder if he can get to the clubhouse at four-under.

MORIKAWA POSTS 66

The two-time Major champion matches the low round of the week with a four-under-par 66. He's two-under for the tournament and currently T5th.

Where on earth did that 77 come from yesterday??

FITZPATRICK BOGEY

Fitz fails to get up-and-down from the bunker on 10 and he falls to five-under, tied with Zalatoris. Scheffler is one back currently, with Matsuyama one further back.

RAHM BACK UNDER PAR

The Spaniard makes a birdie on the terrific short par-3 11th and suddenly he's only within four...

SIGNING OFF

Thanks to everyone for joining me over the past three hours. I'll be handing over to Andy Wright now to bring you home...

Andrew Wright

A lifelong golf fan, Andy graduated in 2019 with a degree in Sports Journalism. He now covers a mixture of equipment, instruction and news for Golf Monthly's website and print title.

GOOD EVENING - ZALATORIS TAKES THE LEAD

Thanks Elliott. It's poised quite nicely here with seven holes to go. What a comeback this is from Will Zalatoris, who has just slotted a 15-footer for his fourth birdie in six holes to take the outright lead at six-under. 

Amazingly, Fitzpatrick then three-putts for bogey, giving his playing partner a two-shot lead. Up ahead, Scheffler stops the rot with a par at the 12th. 

ZALATORIS IN TROUBLE

Just when you think someone is going to run away with it, the Brookline layout reins them back in. After establishing a two-shot lead, Will Zalatoris is in trouble off the tee on the 12th. His drive finds the thick stuff and he's forced to hack out. 

His third shot looks good but is loaded with too much spin and dribbles off the front of the green. He'll face a lengthy par putt with his playing partner on the green in regulation. 

WATCH: HOW ZALATORIS TOOK THE LEAD

ZALTORIS BOGEYS, LEAD CUT TO ONE

Willy Z fails to salvage a par four and will head to the 13th with a one-shot lead over Fitzpatrick and Scheffler. It's surely a three-way battle for the US Open now, but it's anyone's guess as to who will come out on top.

MATSUYAMA CLOSES WITH A PAR FOR 65

A two-putt from distance at the last for par sees Hideki Matsuyama round in 65 to post three-under in the clubhouse. The former Masters champion put together a rare bogey-free round at the US Open but will likely come up a shot or two shy of the score required. 

MORE TROUBLE FOR ZALATORIS

The lead of Zalatoris is under real threat after another wayward tee shot. For the second hole in a row, the American is forced to hack out. This time, he fails to find the fairway and will play his third into the par-4 13th from the left rough.

To his credit, he plays a brilliant recovery shot and has 15 feet left for a par. Fitzpatrick is on the green in two to keep the pressure on.

BIRDIE FOR MCILROY - HE'S NOT OUT OF IT

The Northern Irishman curls in a 12-footer for his fourth birdie of the day to get back to one-under. He's four off the pace but with a big finish, you never know...

WHAT. A. PUTT

Take a bow, Matt Fitzpatrick. With his playing partner struggling, the Englishman puts the hammer down, slotting a 50-footer to get back to five-under and unleashing a fist pump.

Incredibly, Zalatoris follows him in to save par, leaving the final group locked in a tie for the lead heading to the par-5 14th.

Up ahead, Scheffler has about eight feet to make it a three-way tie at the top but can't convert - that could be costly!

WATCH: FITZY ROARS

BACK-TO-BACK BIRDIES FOR RORY

It might be too little, too late, but McIlroy is giving this a go. A second birdie in a row gets him to two-under and within three of the lead. He'll need at least two more and that looks unlikely after finding the bunker at the par-3 16th. 

ZALATORIS MISSES CHANCE TO TAKE SOLO LEAD

Not even long-ball Fitzy can reach the 14th in two but the leaders thread the needle to lay up perfectly. Zalatoris is up first and wedges it to 10 feet. Fitzpatrick comes up short and can't convert from 25 feet, leaving the stage clear for his playing partner to take the outright lead. 

He isn't up to the task, however, and watches his putt dribble past the right edge. It's as you were heading to the 15th.

MCILROY AND SCHEFFLER SAVE PAR

Rory gets up-and-down from the bunker to save par and keep him minuscule hopes alive. He needs two birdies to finish and a miracle.

Behind, Scheffler mops up from a four feet to remain four-under and one back.

WHAT A PICTURE

Fitzpatrick sent the Boston support into meltdown with this celebration...

ADVANTAGE FITZPATRICK ON 15

A rare missed fairway from Fitzpatrick ends up in the gallery but the Englishman recovers superbly to find the middle of the 15th green and set up a birdie chance. From closer to the fairway but in the thick rough, Zalatoris can only advance the ball into the front-left bunker.

TWO-SHOT SWING, FITZPATRICK TAKES THE SOLO LEAD

Will Zalatoris can't save par from the bunker, leaving the door open for Fitzpatrick to make what could be a decisive move, and the Englishman takes it. He sinks a 19-footer to lead the US Open with three holes to go. It's in his hands now...

BIRDIE FOR SCHEFFLER ON 17

After a blip to begin his back nine, the World No. 1 is back on the birdie train. A silky pitch into the short par-4 17th leaves seven feet and the American converts to get to five-under and within one. 

He then steps up on 18 and pipes a 3-wood up the middle. What pressure. 

MCILROY SIGNS OFF WITH A PAR

It's another close call in a major for Rory McIlroy, who misses from 10ft for birdie on 18 to finish two-under after a final-round 69. He'll be left to rue a third-round 73 that left him with too much to do today.

ZALATORIS BOUNCES STRAIGHT BACK WITH BIRDIE ON 16

It's all going on. After a bogey on 15, Zalatoris steps up on the par-3 16th and pipes one straight at the pin to 8ft and slots it for birdie. He joins Scheffler on five-under, one behind Fitzpatrick, with two holes to go. 

WATCH: ZALATORIS BIRDIES 17 TO GET WITHIN ONE

SCHEFFLER FAILS WITH BIRDIE ATTEMPT ON 18

Scottie Scheffler, who at one point led by two after a blistering start, can only watch on as his birdie putt on the last green flashes by the left edge. It's a closing par for the World No. 1 and a round of 67 that gets him in the clubhouse at five-under.

Don't go anywhere, Scottie...

PARS ON 17 FOR FINAL GROUP

Fitzpatrick and Zalatoris leave themselves birdie chances on 17 but neither can convert, with both coming up tantalisingly short. It's all to play for on the 72nd hole, with Fitzpatrick holding a one-shot lead as both he and Zalatoris look to clinch a maiden major title.

FITZY IN TROUBLE!

At the worst time, Matt Fitzpatrick hits his worst tee shot of the day. Usually the best part of the Englishman's game, a quick hook has him in trouble in a fairway bunker. By contrast, Zalatoris is in position A in the middle of the fairway.

WHAT. A. RECOVERY

The shot of a major champion? From the bunker, Matt Fitzpatrick drills his second to about 20 feet. He'll have that to win the 2022 US Open and join Jack Nicklaus as the only players to win the US Amateur and the US Open at the same venue.

Zalatoris is up next and hits his approach shot to about 15 feet. Should Fitzpatrick miss, he'll have that to force a playoff. 

Barring a mircale, that's Scheffler's race run.

FITZPATRICK IS THE US OPEN CHAMPION!

Fitzpatrick can't convert, cosying his birdie effort up hole-side to finish six-under. Only Zalatoris can stop him now but the American's effort slides agonisingly by the left lip, meaning Matt Fitzpatrick is the 2022 US Open champion.

What an effort. What a day. What a champion!

THIS BUNKER SHOT