Rickie Fowler, the 34-year-old golf sensation, appears unfazed by the mounting pressure as he enters the final round of the US Open in a share of the lead. This marks a historic and invigorating week for Fowler, who has displayed remarkable composure amidst the high stakes at the Los Angeles Country Club.

Having delivered a stunning round of 62 on Thursday, Fowler finds himself tied at the top, sitting comfortably at 10-under alongside the formidable Wyndham Clark. Despite a three-putt bogey on his final hole, which prevented him from further extending his lead, Fowler’s unwavering demeanor suggests that he remains undeterred.

Throughout the tournament, the crowd atmosphere has been a topic of discussion in California. However, the boisterous cheers have been unabated for Fowler, a beloved fan favorite who is eager to secure his first major crown.

Reflecting on his position, Fowler expressed optimism, stating, “We’re in a good spot. The first three days are important in terms of building up to this moment. The final round, especially the back nine, is where the tournament truly begins. It’s about going out there, executing shots, and enjoying the experience.”

In recent years, Fowler has found himself on the periphery of success, struggling to recapture the form that characterized his peak years from 2014 to 2019. However, he attributes his ability to fearlessly tackle the Los Angeles Country Club course to the challenges he has faced.

“This is perhaps the most comfortable I’ve felt in a regular tournament, let alone a major,” Fowler revealed. “I’ve been in similar positions before, where I’ve been close to the lead or had chances. This golf course suits me, and I appreciate its characteristics. It’s a fun course to play, and as it continues to toughen up, we’ll navigate our way through and see what unfolds. I suppose I’m not afraid to fail; I’ve experienced failure in recent years, and yet, I persevere.”

Joining Fowler and Clark in the leading pack is the seasoned Rory McIlroy, who is closely trailing at nine-under and aiming to end a nine-year major drought of his own.

“I feel pretty good,” McIlroy commented. “The golf course has become trickier today compared to the first couple of days. I played smart, solid golf and felt somewhat stress-free out there, if such a thing exists in a U.S. Open. Overall, I’m pleased with how today went, and I believe I’m in a favorable position going into tomorrow.”

Despite his past major triumphs, including his last victory at Royal London in 2014, McIlroy maintains that he is not drawing inspiration from those experiences.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve achieved it,” McIlroy acknowledged. “I’m approaching tomorrow with a game plan in mind, and I feel I’ve executed it really well over the past three days. I just need to sustain that for one more day.”

Meanwhile, Clark criticized the decision by US broadcaster NBC to schedule the third round in the late window, forcing the final competitors to conclude their rounds under poor lighting conditions at sunset.

“I don’t quite understand it,” Clark expressed his frustration. “Both Rickie and I faced a disadvantage on those last two holes playing in the dark. Every shot matters out here, and not being able to see clearly, especially for my final putt, added an extra layer of emotion.”

Paul McGinley, from Sky Sports Golf, raised concerns about McIlroy’s mental