DeChambeau leads charge in volatile third round, McIlroy in the mix and loving test

What McIlroy has done well is avoid the disasters that lurk around every corner of the village.

ON TRACK: Rory McIlroy watches his tee shot on the 11th hole during the third round of the U.S. Open in Pinehurst, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Bryson DeChambeau aggressively charged on Saturday to break away from a crowded leaderboard and stake himself to a three-shot lead over Rory McIlroy, Patrick Cantlay and Matthieu Pavon heading into the final round at Pinehurst No. 2.

Despite getting his hip attended to by a physio after making the turn, he stepped up the pressure with four birdies – including one at 17 after a stumbling double on 16 – to shoot his third consecutive round under par and reach 7-under.