Charl Schwartzel showcased his Major pedigree with another stellar showing in the US Open Championship at Chambers Bay.
The former Masters Tournament champion got his fourth round off to a sticky start, as an eminently makeable birdie putt at the second hole was followed by back-to-back bogeys from the third.
However, Schwartzel gritted his teeth and promptly recovered both losses with birdies on the fifth and seventh holes to turn in level par 35.
And, as with his victory at Augusta National in 2011, the South African again showed coolness in the white hot atmosphere of a Sunday afternoon at a Major as he reeled off a quartet of birdies on the way home to rampage through the field with a round of 66.
Schwartzel’s two under par aggregate total fell one shot shy of the club house target set by Adam Scott, but after opening with a round of 73, it was still a remarkable effort.
“I couldn’t believe I was two over through four holes, because I hadn’t played badly. But I said to my brother, who was caddying for me, “We’re playing well, I’ve just got to keep going and the chances will come”.
“The way they set the course up today, there were a few birdies chances out there. I put the ball in play the whole time, and took a few chances. I felt like I left a lot of shots out there because I missed some putts today, but on these greens that’s always going to be the case. Still, I’ve got to be very, very happy with the way I played this week, even the first two days when I shot over par.”
Schwartzel was also full of praise for the composure shown by his compatriot Branden Grace who, with four holes left to play, was tied for the lead with American Jordan Spieth.
He said: “Branden has won quite a few tournaments on The European Tour, so he’s used to winning. He has a great attitude and he’s very good at keeping his ball down, which is perfect for this place.
“It doesn’t surprise me that he’s in contention. He’s handling himself really well, but he’s won a lot of golf tournaments. When I won the Masters I drew on the tournaments I’d won before, and maybe that's the same what he's doing.”
