It's shaping as the perfect scenario for Dustin Johnson as he eyes a return to golf's world No.1 ranking with a victory in Memphis going into this week's US Open.
Johnson, the 2016 US Open champion, was excited by his form on Saturday as he pondered a final round shoot out with winless fellow American Andrew Putnam in the St Jude Classic.
The pair were five strokes clear of third-placed Stewart Cink after Johnson shot a five under 65 and Putnam a 64 to get to 15 under at TPC Southwind.
"I've got a lot of confidence in the game right now," said Johnson, who will reclaim the world No.1 spot if he wins, with the US Open at Shinnecock Hills set to start on Thursday.
"I feel like I'm swinging really well.
"I've got a lot of control of my golf ball and that's what you're looking for going into any week but, yeah, especially going into tomorrow and then obviously next week."
After a 15-month run at No.1, Johnson relinquished top spot four weeks ago to fellow American Justin Thomas, who is not playing this week.
Johnson will hardly be intimidated by the little-known Putnam, the only legitimate threat if he plays half decently.
"I can kind of control my own destiny," Johnson said. "If I play really good golf, I'm probably going to win. If I don't, I'm sure Andrew's going to beat me. It's pretty simple."
Johnson, 33, has won 17 times on the PGA Tour while Putnam's thin resume pales by comparison, with nothing higher than a top-five finish in 43 career starts.
The 29-year-old has made only one bogey through 54 holes. He knows it will be the biggest Sunday of his career as he plays in the final pairing for the first time.
"It's going to feel a little different than a typical Sunday round of golf but I'm excited. I've earned my way here," he said.
Veteran Cink moved into third place with a 64 that included the fifth hole-in-one of his career, from 144 yards at the par-three eighth -- a "perfect yardage" for a pitching wedge into a slight headwind.
Share
