Jim Furyk, a native of West Chester, PA, is tied for the lead after three rounds in the 2012 U.S. Open, sitting with Graeme McDowell at 1-under. He gave an interview following Round 3 where he discussed the course, what he expects for Sunday's Round 4, and what he saw from Tiger Woods, who started Round 3 tied for first but slipped back during Saturday's play.
On the course conditions at the Olympic Club, Furyk is expecting more of what they saw on Saturday:
The greens are starting to look stressed. And 15 was one that came to mind. And I think it was because they moved that tee up so much. They kept that green pretty firm and glossy. 18 looked pretty baked out. I was nervous that putt was going to be quicker than it was.
I expect it to get firm. I expect it to get faster and the greens to be maybe a touch quicker. The golf course is going to play difficult.
Success on a course like that, according to Furyk, comes from driving the ball well, playing for pars, and making the most of the chances you get. "You just have to be patient and wait for those moments," he said, "instead of trying to force them."
Asked about Tiger Woods, Furyk noted his struggles but wouldn't count him out:
So he's 5 shots back. I think he's probably disappointed with the 18th hole. And 16, 17, 18 with the finish, being 3‑over par, if he gets it in with a birdie or so on the way in, he's only two shots back, to make two bogeys and maybe five back is probably disappointing.
He's come from farther back before. And I don't think he's really too worried about the disarray, or I forget what the other term you used, at the moment. He's probably already flipped the page and worried about what he needs to do to play well tomorrow.
Furyk is paired with McDowell, and the two tee off at 6:10pm EDT.
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