Nightmare Open rounds drop Tiger, McIlroy well back

ARDMOREJune 15, 2013 World number one Tiger Woods and second-ranked Rory McIlroy played together for the third round in a row on Saturday at the US Open, but it was most assuredly not third time charmed.

Both golf stars stumbled out of contention entering Sunday’s final round at punishing Merion Golf Club, with Woods 10 strokes off the pace of 54-hole leader Phil Mickelson and McIlroy nine shots adrift.

“It’s certainly frustrating,” Woods said. “I was feeling like I was playing well this week. I just didn’t make the putts I needed to make. I’m playing well enough to do it and unfortunately just haven’t gotten it done.” Woods, a 14-time major champion who has not won a major title since the 2008 US Open, struggled to a six-over par 76 to stand on nine-over 219 after 54 holes -- 10 strokes behind leader Phil Mickelson in a share of 31st place.

AFP