Winds in the mix for Open leader Johnson

Pebble Beach, California - Strengthening afternoon winds could be a major factor at Pebble Beach on Sunday when US Open leader Dustin Johnson tees off in the final round with a three-shot lead.

Although the warmest temperatures of the week have been forecast at the spectacular coastal layout, expected winds of up to 20 miles an hour (32-kph) would present the players with a much tougher challenge.

Pebble Beach, with its small greens, narrow fairways and ocean cliffs, has run fast over the first three days, leaving only three golfers under par after 54 holes, including Graeme McDowell at three-under and Tiger Woods one-under.

The big-hitting Johnson birdied the last two holes on Saturday for a superb five-under-par 66, giving him a bit of breathing space over his closest rivals at six-under 207.

Britain's Graeme McDowell was alone in second after a second-round 71 ahead of world number one Woods who charged into contention with a scorching back nine of five-under 31 for a 66.

Double US Open champion Ernie Els of South Africa, at level par, and American Phil Mickelson, at one over in his bid for an elusive first victory in his national open, are perhaps too far off the pace going into the final round.

While Johnson has the ominous figure of 14-times major champion Woods looming large in his rear view mirror, he enjoys a huge comfort factor at Pebble Beach where he has won the last two PGA Tour events staged here.

"I put myself in a great position," the 25-year-old American told reporters after taking a commanding lead after the third round.

"I am going to have to stay patient and keep playing like I'm playing.

"I'm going to be tough to beat. I'm really hitting the ball well right now. I have no reason to change my game plan. It's worked so far. I'm not going to change it now. So I'm going to stay aggressive and take what the golf course gives me."

Woods, bidding to win his first major title since his private life unravelled at the end of last year amid revelations of marital infidelities, was delighted with his eight-birdie display in the third round.

"It does feel good to play this well going into a final round and I put myself back in the tournament," the 34-year-old said. "I'm going to have to put together another good round tomorrow in order to win this."

Bright sunshine greeted the early starters at Pebble Beach on Sunday with Americans Ben Curtis and Jason Gore making the most significant moves on the front nine.

Curtis, shock winner of the 2003 British Open at Royal St George's, was three under for the day after six holes with Gore three under after four. Both were at seven over for the tournament. -

Reuters