• US Open

McDowell confident ahead of day of destiny

Graeme McDowell trails leader Dustin Johnson by three shots heading into the final day of action at Pebble Beach © Getty Images

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Graeme McDowell refused to be downbeat after seeing his US Open lead swiped away by Pebble Beach specialist Dustin Johnson.

The Ulsterman went into the third round with a two-shot advantage over the field but was overtaken by Johnson, who shot a five-under-par 66 to move three shots ahead.

McDowell saw an otherwise tidy round spoiled by bogeys on 16 and 17 as he turned in a level-par 71and the 30-year-old is still confident that he can pick up his maiden major title with a solid final day showing on the Calfornian coastline.

"For sure, I would have taken level par before I stepped on the tee today," McDowell said. "It was a breezy day today and I think the USGA firmed the greens up for us.

"And I wasn't quite expecting Dustin to do what he did, but he played magnificent. He's a great guy, he's great to play with and I'm looking forward to playing him tomorrow. It's going to be a really fun day.

"I didn't quite hit it as good today as I did yesterday, perhaps, but to shoot 71 on this layout, not being in control of my game, I'm pretty happy with that.

"I felt like I did my job. Three back, going into tomorrow, I think that's a good position, I'm looking forward to it."

McDowell was impressed by his younger rival's performance under pressure and feels that there is more to the American's game than his trademark big hitting.

"He was awesome today," McDowell added. "He really just stood up and had no fear, hit the shots.

"He hit a three iron from 290 yards on four, which was pretty incredible. He hit some big, big golf shots today.

"He's going to go home and sleep on a three-shot lead, and we'll see how he feels tomorrow morning.

"If he turns up tomorrow like he did today he's going to be tough to beat.

"But Sunday in a major, I'm happy to be in the position I'm in."

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