Age no barrier to Jacobsen

American Peter Jacobsen, at 51 the oldest player left in the US Open at Pinehurst, leapt into contention for the title with a hole-in-one today.

The former Ryder Cup player aced the 175-yard ninth in his third round to turn in a superb 32.

Having started the day at five over par he was up to two over and into a tie for 17th place – only four shots behind Retief Goosen, Olin Browne and Jason Gore, who had yet to resume.

No player older than 48 has ever won a major title and the oldest winner of the US Open was 45 – Hale Irwin’s third victory in the event in 1990.