US Open as it happened

0110: Time to bid you all farewell. It’s been a heck of a weekend – one of the best. We’ll be back in a month for the next major. Yep, the Open Championship is just round the corner. Thinking Rory could go well again at Royal St George’s? He has form on links coures, having tied for third at St Andrews last year. Thanks for all the texts and tweets and let’s do it all again on the Kent coast in July.

0103: Got youre bedtime mug of cocoa sorted? Good, then let’s have a little look at some of the records McIlroy set this week. Lowest four-round score at the US Open, his -16 268 bettering Jack Nicklaus (1982), Lee Janzen (93), Tiger Woods (2000) nad Jim Furyk (2003). Record for most strokes under par. Quickest ever to reach -10 (after 26 holes), first player ever to reach -17, lowest 36-hole total of 131, equals biggest 36-hole lead of six shots set by Tiger Woods in 2000, lowest 54-hole total of 199, lowest 72-hole total of 268. I think you call that domination.

0057: Westwood’s playing partner Jason Day certainly did his reputation no harm with a second successive runners-up spot in a major. He was also tied for 10th in last year’s PGA Championship. The 23-year-old looks destined for a bright future in the game.

0050: A quick word for Lee Westwood, who has finished third, or in a tie for third in a major for the fourth time. The Englishman will look back and rue that opening-round 75. Despite a 68 and 65 on Friday and Saturday, he had too much to do today and after finding the water on the par-five sixth with his second shot, he must have known 2011 wasn’t going to be his year.

0042: Well, well, well, what a week that was. Rory led from start to finish and is only the sixth man to do so at the US Open, and the first since Tiger in 2002. He’s also the fifth successive first-time winner of a major.

0040: Don’t go to bed yet, there’s more from Rory: “Happy Father’s Day dad, this one’s for you. But I have to mention my mum as well, who’s back home watching. I can’t thank them enough. As Graeme [McDowell] said last year there will be a few pints of the black stuff going down tonight. I know my friends will be out partying and I can’t wait to get back and join them.”

0037: Rory steps forward and gives the trophy a little peck before lifting it high above his head. “I could have holed a couple more putts today,” he laughs. “But the whole week has been incredible. I know how good TIger was at Pebble in 2000 and I went out today to try and emulate him in some way. Augusta was a valuable experience. I knew what I needed to do today to win. I put a few new things into practice and it paid off.”

0035: Card checked and all seems fine as Rory reappears with a huge smile and continues to bounce in that familiar style of his back down to the 18th green for the prize giving.

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:
-16 McIlroy
-8 Day
-6 Chappell, Garrigus, Westwood, Yang
-5 Garcia, Hanson

0030: No need to get the reserve father’s day present out for Rory. He immediately hugs his dad Gerry before a police escort the size of which is normally reserved for presidential visits, accompanies him to the scorer’s hut.

0027: Yang’s par putt dribbles close but not in, and McIlroy has eight putts from a foot to win the US Open.

0025: The tiresome cry of “Gerrin the hole” ring out as Rory sets his 50-foot putt away and for once they are almost prophetic as it curls in towards the hole. Surely not? Nope, just shy, but he’s going to mark that.

0023: The crowd parts to allow Yang in and his ball is sitting nicely on the trampled grass. He flips a wedge down to the green but it doesn’t threaten the hole and Day is confirmed as runner-up.

0021: Now steady Rors, don’t want you putting this in the drink. And that’s sensible. He’s found the front of the green and the applause can begin. And it follows him all the way down the fairway – cracking scenes at the Congressional. And he finally allows his guard to drop. A smile in the direction of his dad and then a step aside for Yang.

0020: Yang is almost 300 yards from the green and he’s really launched into that one but it’s going right, well right. Pinball golf by the Korean and the crowd is ducking and weaving as the ball smacks a couple of branches on its way into the spectators.

0016: Day splashes out to five feet and Westwood, who has a slightly trickier shot as he has to traverse the ridge, plays an absolute beauty to inches. He taps that in for par and it’s another top five finish at a major for the Englishman. Day for par…silence round the 18th at Congressional…he’s taking his time over this one…and it was well worth it. That’s 45 bogey-free holes by the Australian.

0012: With the green clear, both Day and Westwood fire their approaches in to the sand down the right. That in turn means Yang can tee off, although he probably wishes he could have a mulligan there. He clatters a tree down the left and although his ball ricochets back on to the short stuff, he’s a long way back. McIlroy? He’s in the rough down the left.

0008: Just six men still playing then and they’re all on the 18th. Freddy Jacobson has a decent run at a birdie but has to settle for par. His round fell apart with the four-putt on 12 and his two-over round leaves him at -2. Playing partner Garrigus hunches over his putter and rolls in a par putt to cap a tremendous finish to the tournament. Five birdies on the back nine cancelling out the three bogeys on the front nine and he’s in a tie for fourth at -6.

0005: How many majors would Sergio Garcia have won if he could putt? He’s criminally left his four-footer for par on the last short and that’s a bogey five and his 70 leaves him -5.

0003: McIlroy affords himself a little smile after leaving that birdie putt halfway short of the hole. I think we can probably forgive him that. He’s left with a delicate one down the slope and that’s going right and it’s missed. Yang splashes out of the sand and gets his par. McIlroy makes no mistake with the return but that’s his first three-putt of the week.

0002: You can see why Garcia was shouting at his ball on 18 as he pushes his ball over the ridge between it and the hole and it falls down left and that’s a nasty one left for par.

0000: Par golf by Day on 17 and you fancy Yang’s going to need a birdie to knock the Australian out of second. McIlroy hopping about after his approach to 17 – terrible shot that. 30 feet left of the pin. Terrible.

2358: Nice stat from David in London on text. Holes 2, 3, 7, 13 and 15 are the only ones Rory has not birdied at some stage this week. Not only that, he’s played all five of them in par.

2357: Garcia imploring his ball to fly further than he’s hit it on 18 but it either refuses, or just plain can’t hear as it thuds into the centre of the green, leaving him another ridge to put over for birdie.

2353: Back on 16 and McIlroy, yep, you’ve guessed it. I don’t need to finish this entry do I? The lead is nine from Jason Day who also birdied 16 moments earlier to go to -8. Yang can only par so Day is on course for a second successive second place in a major.

2350: First view of Robert Garrigus and his teeny-tiny putter. The American had a poor run of three bogeys on the front nine when everyone else was knocking in birdies for fun. He’s just knocked in his third successive birdie on 17 and he’s back to level par for the day, -5 overall.

2347: McIlroy nudges one down the fairway at 16 and he’s in prime position to attack the pin again. Yang threads one between a couple of trees and he’s also in a decent spot. A rare iron approach by the Korean and that’s almost in. Beat that Rors. And McIlroy almost does. He flops a sand wedge a dozen feet past the pin and that spins back four feet past the flag.

2343: Up at the green and Westwood flicks out of the bunker and knocks in the birdie putt. What would Garcia do for a birdie? Another chance goes begging on 17 and he stays at -6.

2341: Here we go then, the last three holes of the 2011 US Open and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland holds a nine-shot lead. He tugs his drive a little and he’s in the sand but no worries as it’s a par five so a little knock up the fairway will suffice. Yang goes a little further left and he may be troubled by the trees.

2338: Westy going for the green in two on the par-five 16th but that comes up a little short, kicks left and finds the sand. Jason Day also a touch short but he’s on the short stuff with a straightforward up and down for birdie.

2333: The enormity of what McIlroy is achieving out there looks like it’s just starting to sink in. He’s on course to have the lowest winning score in US Open history. Tiger Woods currently holds that crown at -12. He’s looking around, drinking in the atmosphere. Yang’s completely gone. He misses the par putt and he’s back to -7. Rory’s lead back up to nine.

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:

-16 McIlroy

-8 Yang

-7 Day

-6 Garcia, Chappell

-5 Hanson, Westwood

-4 Schwartzel, Oosthuizen, Love III, Kuchar, Garrigus

2330: Yang’s challenge is over. He finds sand with his drive on 15 and has to chip out. McIlroy, finally looking a little more relaxed, pings his iron into the heart of the green and that’s just what he’s done all week. Yang wedges to the back of the green and he’s got a six-footer just for par.

2327: It’s not Westwood’s day. Again. He leaves the birdie putt out right and that’s a fourth successive par on 15. He’s one over for the back nine and stuck at -5.

2325: Sergio lays up on the par-five 16th but then lobs his wedge well over the pin and gets no action on the ball. That’s going to be a tricky 30-footer up and over a ridge for birdie.

2321: A quick look at Westwood on 15. He’s parred the last three and is level for the day. He’s hit a solid approach into the green and he’s got a birdie opportunity there though from 20 feet.

2319: While that is going on, McIlroy shaves the hole with his birdie attempt on 14. His par is matched by Yang who rolls in from three feet, having played a delightful chip and run from just short of the green. Holes running out for the Korean.

2315: McIlroy six iron up the hill to 14 and that’s safe. He doesn’t look too thrilled by it but a quick word with his caddie and the smile soon returns. He’s about 30 feet away and he sets off with that bouncy little walk of his, acknowledging the strained chants of “let’s go Rory” that are echoing through trees.

2311: No hanging about on the 14th tee and Yang’s let one go there. That’s disappeared deep into the foliage. McIlroy takes out the three metal and pings one straight up the middle. Glorious sound off the clubhead. Five to play, safe to say we’re looking at the champion yet?

2309: Here’s McIlroy for birdie and steady on son, he’s raced that one a good four feet by. Don’t back-to-back bogey Rory. What was I thinking? Course he wouldn’t do that to us. Safe as houses that return and he stays at -16, eight clear of Yang and nine ahead of Jason Day.

2307: Swede Hanson dropping back with his first bogey of the day, on the par-four 17th. He joins Sergio and America’s Kevin Chappell, who is five under for the round, on -6.

2306: Par three time for Yang and McIlroy who have been waiting on the tee for a few minutes while Day and Westwood complete their pars on 13. The wait does not faze Rors who fires another one at the pin and he’ll have a 10-footer for birdie. Yang a little more conservative, but on the dancefloor with a good 35 feet to go.

2304: Last year’s Open champion Louis Oosthuizen bogeys 17 but that’s the only blemish in his round of 67 and he finishes on -4.

2302: So McIlroy is back to -16. That was only his fourth dropped shot of the tournament – the other three coming courtesy of a double on 18 in round two and a bogey on 10 yesterday.

2300: A collectors item on 12 as McIlroy misses a green in regulation. He chases a chip and run five feet past – a tester for par. Yang’s par putt is about an inch after he comes within a whisker of atoning for that bogey on 11. Here’s McIlroy…and that runs past the left edge and keeps going a good three feet but no drama as he takes one look and knocks it into the centre.

2255: McDowell ends his defence of the title with a par at the last and he’s in for a second consecutive round of 69 and a two-under-par finish.

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:

-17 McIlroy

-8 Yang

-7 Hanson, Day

-6 Garcia, Chappell

-5 Westwood

-4 Schwartzel, Oosthuizen, Kuchar, Jacobson

2248: Freddie Jacobson’s round takes a turn for the worse. He finds the par-four 12th in regulation, but four-putts for a double bogey. Yep, four putts and he’s level for the day, -4 overall. The Swede retains his sense of humour though, waving and smiling to the galleries. His Swedish compatriot Henrik Stenson needs a bit of medical assistance after destroying an iron on 15. He tugged his approach into the rough and took out his frustration on the poor club which bit back as it snapped in two. A free lesson for us all.

2244: McIlroy for birdie on 11 – yes it’s a 40-footer but the way he’s been playing this week and that just pulls up short. A wry smile from under his cap and that’s another tricky hole completed in par. Yang dropping as his chip for par finishes five feet away but that’s a decent putt for bogey.

2240: Europeans on the move at the moment, Garcia in for a second successive birdie on the par-three 13th, he’s liked that hole this week with three birdies, and he’s up to -6. Sweden’s Peter Hanson putting together a tremendous round. He’s just eagled 16 to go to six under for the day and a tie for third on -7.

2236: Here’s Yang with his approach to 11 and he’s leaning left which usually means the ball is going right and we all know what’s lurking right of the green on 11? Yep, he’s one bounce in the pond. McIlroy settles over his iron shot and that’s just fine. Left edge of the green, 40 foot putt coming up.

2233: Give over. Sergio evoking the memory of Ballesteros with a sublime chip in for birdie on 12 to go to -5. Extraordinary shot. Back on 11 and Westwood is going the other way. He’s out the bunker but missing the five-foot par putt. He’s back to -5

2231: Sergio thwacking his second out of deep rough on the par-four 12th and he’s pinged that through the back of the green and into a little closely mown hollow. Not an easy up and down from there for the Spaniard who is at -4 after coming off the back of a bogey on 11.

2230: Masters champion Charl Schwartzel in with the low round of the day – a five-under-par 66 and he’s the clubhouse leader on -4.

2228: Westwood pulls his approach to 11 to the left – that water on the right of the green stopping anyone going at the pin which is tucked over on that side and Day follows him into the sand.

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:

-17 McIlroy

-9 Yang

-7 Day

-6 Jacobson, Westwood

-5 Oosthuizen, Hanson, Chappell

-4 Schwartzel, Garcia, Kuchar

2221: Unbelievable scenes as Rory walks round the lake to the green – there’s about 40,000 spectators going crazy. He acknowledges, ambles nonchalantly up to his ball and blows it in and he’s at -17 Yang, a bit closer than I thought at about four feet and he drops it in to go to -9. Lead remains at eight, with eight to play.

2216: Day, who finished second at the Masters a couple of months ago, from five feet and that hits the back of the cup. He’s on his own in third on -7.

2214: Westwood a little long with his tee shot on 10 and he’s going to have a speedy chip back down to the hole. Day a little closer and he’s on the right level. McIlroy waiting patiently back on the tee. A couple of sips of water. Westwood elects to putt out the second cut of rough and he’s tickled that to a couple feet – excellent shot.

2212: That par for McIlroy means he completed the front nine in all four rounds in 11 under par – with no bogeys. Outstanding scoring.

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:
-16 McIlroy
-8 Yang
-6 Jacobson, Westwood, Day
-5 Garcia, Kuchar, Oosthuizen, Chappell, Hanson

2208: Yang first to putt and he rolls in for birdie and he’s at -8. McIlroy also for birdie and he’s not hit that one. It dribbles to the side of the hole but that’s a safe par. Nine down, nine to play. Remember the 10th at Augusta? This tee shot coming up is arguably more difficult.

2205: Up on 10 and Jacobson finds the green, but he’s got a treacherous 35-footer. It’s on its way, up and over the ridge and down, down, down and past by seven feet – at least it’s uphill on the way back.

2203: Don’t want to curse the 22-year-old but when will he start relaxing and enjoying this? Nine clear with nine-and-a-half holes to play. Up on the green, Westwood has birdied from eight feet and is back at -6. He shuffles off and McIlroy fires another wedge at the pin, a bit of spin and he’s a dozen feet from going to -17.

2200: Couple of tears from Ash as he hangs up his texting fingers. But we have no time for that. Here’s Yang laying up on the par-five ninth. McIlroy follows suit. No need for heroics here. Sensible.

2156: OK folks. These are officially my last ever words on a BBC live text commentary. Not really that important as a boy called McIlroy is 10 holes away from achieving something quite grand. A pleasure to work on such an amazing event. I’ll let Scrivener guide you towards the finish line. Thank you. Night.

2153: Yang and McIlroy both bag pars on the eighth. All very comfy for the Holywood star so far.

2147: Garcia bags a birdie at last. Eight pars and now his birdie to move the Spaniard on to -5. While Edfors ends his stunning round with a bogey but it’s still a 67. -1 for the Swede.

2145: Louis Oosthuizen gets another birdie to move onto -5. Incredible noise on the eighth tee. I think they’ve shipped in a cage of monkeys. Or my three sisters. Some crazy shrieks as McIlroy thwacks his ball down the fairway. By the way, I’m not calling any of my sisters monkeys, just that they shriek a lot. That’s all.

2144: Another birdie from Jacobson and he’s levelled with Yang on -7. Three under for the day for the Swede. Yang is on his knees as his ball loops to the left just as it looked as it was heading into the cup. McIlroy crouches, has a second look at the line, gets down, very relaxed, and it curls around the right side of the hole. Another par. -16. Lead is nine with 11 holes left. Solid.

2138: Please note that BBC Radio 5 live is a go-go, taking over from sports extra. Get your cans on, laptops and mobiles out…let’s make this a multi-media experience. How we doing folks? Not too many scares so far. Who are you fancying to make a late burst? Text or tweet. I’d love to hear from you. Any Holywood peeps going mental yet? Or are you all keeping it cool?

2137: After his watery bogey on the sixth, Westwood misses a birdie chance and settles for par on the par-three seventh. -5.

2132: Hearts are pounding out there. McIlroy fires in towards the sixth green and a mis-hit sends it spiralling the watery stuff, the ball thinks about it, waves it goodbye and lands just two feet on to the bank. That could have set off a few flutters. Yang meanwhile is on the green and he nails his putt for his first birdie of the day. -7 for Yang and McIlroy survives with a par. That could have been a bit of a story-changer. But the Northern Irishman rumbles on. 12 holes to go.

2126: A rare smile from Garcia as he lofts a cracker to within four feet on the eighth. His card shows seven pars so far. Jason Day bags a much-needed birdie to move on to -6 as Jacobson pars the par-three seventh to remain on -6.

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:
-16 McIlroy
-6 Jacobson, Westwood, Yang
-5 Hanson, Day
-4 Garcia, Kuchar, Oosthuizen, Chappell, Love III

2123: bad news for Westwood fans as he finds the water. Quack quack. Shame. And as the ball plops in it’s time for Jacobson to nail his second birdie and get on -6.

2119: A fourth birdie by Hanson and he’s on -5. Top day for the Swede. Kevin Chappell is another with a hat-trick of birdies and moves up to -4. And another birdie chance goes begging for Garcia. He stays on -4.

2118: Just so you know, a few technical problems with the sports extra radio coverage. Being sorted but BBC Radio 5 live will be certainly on at 2130 BST (UK only).

2114: McIlroy’s first putt falls 15 feet short and he looks a little frustrated. Yang’s 20-footer drifts to the right. Big “Oooohhs” from the crowd. McIlroy’s time for a collapse? Nahhhhh not ye – he avoids bogey as his par putt drops in. Brilliant. The crowd are loving that. He stays on -16.

2111: Not enough weetabix for Westwood today. His birdie putt falls short and he will stay on -6. McIlroy having to fight for this one. Second shot on the fifth and he’s stuck in the sandy stuff. His white trousers won’t be too happy with the mess in that bunker but the ball loops out safely to the edge of the green. Still a birdie chance but he’ll be delighted with par. This boy can afford a few bogeys though eh.

2109: Lower down the table there’s a boy from Sweden who is frying. Edfors is el scorchio and gets his fourth birdie in five holes and moves to -2 with one hole to go. Way to go Johan.

2107: Yang, donning his red trousers, pings his tee shot on to the fairway on the fifth. Kuchar moves to even after just missing out on an eagle. A second successive birdie though which makes better reading after his double bogey on the third.

2105: Mr Yang is Mr Consistency with his fourth par. All bunching up below McIlroy. Six on -4 and three on -5. A fair amount of dollars separating eighth and second spot I dare say. Golfing wags sitting and watching intently no doubt.

2059: The leader’s prowling on the fourth and McIlroy fires one in to within 12 feet(ish). Nervous? He’s positively playing with his slippers on. And here’s another stat from Infostrada – McIlroy could become the third player in US Open history to have all four rounds in the 60s and first since Lee Janzen (1993).

2057: A few of you banging on my door wanting Westwood news. After his opening birdie his flow has been stemmed somewhat with three pars. Not good enough with the way scoring is going right now. Not to mention trailing the leader by nine. Three pars for Aussie Jason Day and he sits on -5.

2055: Remember the boy Rock? A round of 68 leaves him on +1 with today’s card possessing three birdies and an eagle. Great effort this week from Robert after his visa and travelling madness to even make it to Congressional.

2052: The man who said yesterday: “McIlroy’s got more talent in his pinkie than I have in my whole body” – Snedeker – gets his third birdie and he’s on a bit of a roll and glides up to -4 after nine holes. Another birdie for Peter Hanson and he’s on -4.

2048: Yang’s birdie putt on three tries going round the backdoor but the door’s closed and it sits behind the cup by about a foot. McIlroy’s ball dribbles towards the hole and bobbles to the right…nice follow-up distance though and he easily knocks in his par. -15. Lead still nine. He looks like a man playing pitch and putt on holiday. Relaxed, yet quietly swaggery.

2043: The focus obviously with McIlroy, Yang and the chasing pack but if there’s someone you want me to dig out some info on then please let me know.

2041: It’s birdie o’clock as Louis Oosthuizen gets his fourth in 10 holes and moves to -4. Westwood has another chance for birdie on the third but the ball just bends short. Agonising. He’ll stay on -6.

2039: Yang’s ball kisses the lip and stays out. McIlroy is cooler than a cool thing. Never in doubt. Par. He stays on -15. 16 holes to go. 16 pars would do it.

2038: McIlroy has a teasing putt on the second green and he pulls up short by about 12 feet. Tough putt for par coming up. And a fifth birdie for Stricker – he moves to -5.

2035: Garcia has to settle with three opening pars to stay on -4. McDowell meanwhile is making a march. Three birdies in four holes and he’s onto -3. He couldn’t could he?

2033: Still 17 holes to go I know and I do NOT want to provide the kiss of death to R-Mac. But here’s an early request for headlines if McIlroy wins in four hours time……TWEET OR TEXT.

BBC Radio 5 live commentator Jay Townsend: “Perfect start. If you were nervous and needed a little something to calm them, a birdie at the first is a phenomenal start.”

2030: Hold on…hold on…….Yang and McIlroy are of course still on the opener. The birdie scoring is electric. Apologies. Yang gets his par…..and BOOM. Massive cheers around the first green. BIRDIE ON THE OPENER FOR MCILROY. What a start. -15. Lead up to nine.

2027: On to the second shot and McIlory gives himself a chance for an early birdie. Promising. Garrigus starts with a bogey and drops to -4.

2022: Yang finds the fairway. Comfortable. McIlroy picks out his three wood and the ball’s still in the clouds…..still in the clouds….down it comes and he’s safely on the short grass. Nice. Also nice for Lee Westwood. Very nice in fact. Westwood birdies the opener. -6 and that’s a dream start. Birdie for Jacobson. -5. The scores are moving. Don’t you go anywhere.

2020: Yang and McIlroy arrive on the tee. Time for some fireworks. The waiting is over.

2013: Please REFRESH this page to get all the right names in place. He’s still defending champion – Graeme McDowell is fighting for his life and gets two birdies and a par on the eighth to be on -2. And a third birdie for Charl Schwartzel takes him to -2. Surge. And if you’re looking for a proper surge head to the 17th and you’ll see Retief Goosen strutting his stuff after carding a third successive birdie to move to -1. -5 for the day. Three straight birdies for Edfors as well and he’s on -1. Fairways being ripped up right now.

2012: More pars for Kuchar and Garcia on hole two and they remain on -4.

2010: Two more players stride up the board to -4. Korean Kyung-tae Kim and Steve Stricker bag birdies. Interesting. Westwood and Day introduced to the crowd. Loads of Westwood fans following their man today. Nine shots off the pace. Any hope for Lee today? And what about Aussie day? Who knows what could happen if these two tweet up a few birdies in the opening holes.

2007: Jacobson and Garrigus playing into the first green right now. Two pairings left to go out. at 2010 BST I offer you Westwood (-5) and Day (-5) and then it’s two players you may have heard of by now……at 2020 it’s Yang and McIlroy. Rory meanwhile is practising in the sand.

2005: Garcia remains on -4 as he pars his opening hole. Kuchar duplicates the Spaniard’s action. Also on -4.

1957: Out of the chasing pack currently playing after a piece of McIlroy, it’s Steve Stricker who’s making a mini-move. The American cards his third birdie of the day to move up to -3 after seven holes. Impressive. Henrik Stenson also on -3 after a birdie and a par.

1955: The brightest red outfit you’re ever likely to see. And when i see red – I mean a brighter shade of red than the colour of your postman’s van. Incredible. But the Japanese young star nails his sixth birdie today to rise up to +1 with one hole to play. Astonishing.

1951: It’s great to be back in the hotseat on this memorable day. Whatever happens in the next five hours it’s going to be rammed full of drama. Garcia and Kuchar tee off. McIlroy all smiles on the practice range and he’s just an hour away from starting his final pursuit for the big one. Can he do it?

1948: A pretty good day so far for Luke Donald. Not a great four days but today the world number one has bagged five birdies and two bogeys. Can he finish on a high? Ummmmm his ball hits the drink on the 18th. The ball even does one of the stone-skimming tricks and skips across the water surface before falling to a watery grave. What are the chances of a large fish popping up and head-butting it out on the grass? Let’s see….negative. He ends up with another bogey and scores a 69 to finish on +5.

1945: Time for me to take a little breather. Here’s Mr Mark Ashenden. I’ll be back a little later to hopefully call Rory to victory.

1938: Sweden’s Robert Karlsson stutters into the back nine with bogeys on the tricky par-three 10th and just as tough par-four 11th. His compatriot Henrik Stenson gets under way with a birdie on the first and he’s tied for ninth on -3.

1935: Reigning Open champion Louis Oosthuizen enjoying a decent final day, he’s just birdied four and five and he’s at two under, as is America’s Steve Stricker, the world number four picking up shots at three and five.

1926: Another couple of birdies from Ishikawa, on 14 and 15, and the Japanese disaster fund benefits to the tune of another £1,500. He’s at three under for the round, +2 for the tournament. Meanwhile, McIlroy strolls down to the driving range. His caddie JP Fitzgerald trailing behind with a couple of baskets of balls. They don’t look to have the red stripes on that my local range are so fond of.

1923: Defending champion Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland is away with three pars but that’s a lovely wedge into the fourth and he’ll have that 12-footer for birdie.

1919: Brad Benjamin will have the dubious honour of being last at the 2011 US Open after the American fired a second successive nine-over-par 80 to record a +21 total.

1915: Here’s Lefty on the last and oh my word he’s lobbed that in the water. Apologies, let me explain that a little clearer. That was straight out of my school of bunker play. He was in the bunker front right and he’s launched that straight over the pin, over the green and into the lake. Summed up his week I guess.

1910: Westwood tees of in an hour. He’s in the penultimate pairing with Australia’s Jason Day. Sweden’s Freddie Jacobson, who shot a stunning 66 yesterday, is out with the man with the impossibly short putter, Robert Garrigus at 2000. Ten minutes before them it’s Sergio Garcia and Matt Kuchar. McIlroy and YE Yang last out of course. They will be teeing off at 2020 BST. We’ll have radio commentary on 5 live sports extra from 2015 and then on 5 live from 2130. I’ll give you another nudge a little closer.

1907: What do golfers eat for tea on the eve of the last day of a major? Here’s Lee Westwood, who dined with Rory last night: “We had steak and talked, not about golf, but plenty of other things. It’s up to Rory who wins the tournament. Rory should win but I’ve got to control what I can, shoot a low score and put some pressure on him.” And on the pressure of majors, he added: “It’s very intense. You want it a lot, the pressure increases by a large margin.” On what he needs to score: “You can’t predict the future, we’re not mind readers. I’ve got to shoot the lowest score possible, then it’s up to Rory.”

1853: Talking of Rory, here’s a quick word from a confident-sounding US Open leader: “I have to approach today like yesterday. I had a big lead going into yesterday and I set myself a couple of little targets to take my mind off the leaderboard and everything going on around me.” On his Dad being there: “It’s been nice to have breakfast wth him every morning and talk about the day ahead and how I’m feeling. He’s always so positive and it’s nice to have those reassuring words in your ears when you’re going out to play.” On last night’s dinner with Westy: “He’s going to be trying to go out there and post a number but I can’t pay any attention to what anyone else does. If I go about my business Ill probably be very hard to beat.”

1850: The best father’s day present in the world? Rory could be delivering it to his dad Gerry in about six hours time. I wonder if he’s got something else in reserve, just in case mind.

1845: By my reckoning, just 14 of the 52 players out on the course are over par for the day. Have the USGA set this course up for low scoring to give the chasers a chance, conveniently forgetting that McIlroy has shot 65, 66, 68 so far?

1835: Here’s Rory strolling through the car park. Looks like he’s not got a care in the world as he flashes a smile to the camera. YE Yang also looking relaxed as he plays with his three kids. Lee Westwood wary as a police dog snaps at a toy for his owner.

1829: As a high handicapper I have to be a little careful how I word this but the front nine seems to be playing incredibly EASY! South Africa’s Retief Goosen (+1) is the latest to whizz through in three under par. The Goose won the US Open in 2001 and 2004 – both times he shot -4.

1825: Lots of dads getting golf balls this year. Anybody get anything more exciting? I know, I know, it’s the thought that counts and kid’s pocket money doesn’t stretch that far. Surely those nippers have been creative in these hard-up times?

1822: A MrSangmoo Bae has been ripping up the course this afternoon with five birdies on his front nine. Not quite killed the back nine, but he’s parred his last six holes. I wonder if Mr YE Yang will be lurking at the back of the 18th to garner a few tips from his fellow South Korean.

1815: Right, if that last tweet has not put the mockers on Maccers, then nothing will. Quick update from the bottom of the leaderboard and five-time bridesmaid Mickelson has birdied 14 and he’s back level for the day. His fellow American, Brad Benjamin and Canada’s Wes Heffernan are propping up the field on +19 – they are both playing the 18th and probably looking forward to settling down in the clubhouse with a wee dram as they watch this evening’s drama unfold.

1808: The likes of Lee Westwood and YE Yang will be heartened by the number of birdies flying in already today as they know they are going to have to shoot mid 60s at worst to have any chance of catching Rory McIlroy. I bet young Rory’s not too fussed to see the course playing relatively easy though. Sweden’s Robert Karlsson another going in the right direction. He’s birdied three of his first five holes to get to +1.

1756: Another £750 in the Japanese earthquake fund, courtesy of Ryo Ishikawa’s latest birdie. The 19-year-old has made 13 so far in the tournament. Unfortunately, he’s made a few more bogeys this week and is at +3 overall.

1738: How’s your day been then? A new pair of golf shoes were thrust in my face by my kids at some unearthly hour this morning. Pristine white, not sure when I’ll get chance to get them dirty. Any other golfing related father’s day gifts floating around? I want to know them all.

1735: A wee manual refresh if you’d all be so kind to get text commentating names in the right places. I’ll open with Staffordshire’s finest Robert Rock banging in a brace of birdie on four and five. He’s up to +3 for the tournament.

1732: There you have it. My phase One is complete. I will be back tonight. Thank you for your company. And as Harrington bangs in a birdie on the first to get within 16 shots of McIlroy I’ll hand over to Scrivener. See you later.

1729: Top tennis star Rafael Nadal likes his golf and takes time out from his Wimbledon preparation to talk about Rory McIlroy: “Seriously, it’s fantastic watching him what he’s doing in this tournament. I will be supporting him this afternoon, because I think he deserves the title. He’s playing better than other one. He had a very tough fourth round of Augusta this year, and he deserves to win a major because, in my opinion, right now he’s playing at a different level than the rest.” Fair enough Rafa.

1727: My colleague Peter Scrivener is buffing up his keyboard and painting his nails as he prepares to slip into the live text throne. Before he does, I want to pass on some words from a tennis near-legend talking about a potential golfing legend…..Ready?

1725: Birdies from Retief Goosen and Robert Karlsson and they both move to +3.

1720: Impossible to keep across every player but if there’s somebody you want info on then chuck me the names. I am your servant.

1715: Young, shirts brighter than my gran’s marigolds and clearly a player with a lively future on the fairways. Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa bags two successive birdies and he moves up to +4.

1712: Anybody hoping for 18 birdies from Phil Mickelson and a surge up the table will be a little disappointed. Eight pars and a bogey and the great man is on +8.

1700: An opening birdie by Michael Putnam gets him up to +4. Anthony Kim continuing his form with a third birdie that takes him to +5. Six pars and a birdie gets Matteo Manassero to +5. A mixed bag by 19-year-old Ryo Ishikawa – two pars, bogey and a birdie and he’s on +5.

1653: A good start by Justin Hicks with the birdies in four holes and he jumps up to +6. CRIPES – a massive mention for Korean Sangmoon Bae. Five birdies in nine holes and he’s up to +3. What a bloomin’ cracking opening nine holes that is. 17 more birdies and he’ll be level with the leader. Brilliant.

1649: Sorry folks. Back to the fairways….

1631: A quick reminder of the tee times coming up. 1630 – Glover and Rock. 1720 – Harrington and Kaymer. 1830 – Oosthuizen and Stricker. 1840 – McDowell and Frazar. 1850 – Zach Johnson and Snedeker . 1950 – Garcia and Kuchar. 2000 – Jacobson and Garrigus. 2010 – Westwood and Day. 2020 – Yang and McIlroy.

1626: Stinky starts for Mickelson and Bubba Watson. Lefty makes five pars and then lands a bogey on the par-five sixth. Bubba meanwhile sinks to +9 after three pars and a double bogey on the fourth.

1623: Anthony Kim now firing up the leaderboard – well sort of. A pair of birdies though and the American is up to +6.

1615: In contrast, a whole bag of squidgy fireworks fizzing out of the bag of Japan’s Kenichi Kuboya. His card reads bogey, bogey, bogey, par. He’s on +10. His 19-year-old compatriot Ryo Ishikawa just teeing off now. This is the lad with the world’s biggest sporting motif on his hat. The brightest boldest walking advert on the planet. He’s on +5.

1612: A few fireworks coming out of the bag of Korean Sangmoon Bae. Three pars and two birdies. He moves up to +6. Only 20 shots behind McIlroy now. The comeback is on.

1603: Italian Matteo Manassero had a few backers to cause a few shocks ahead of this week – a 74, 72 and 73 and an opening par leaves him on +6. Great experience for an 18-year-old though. He’ll be back.

1557: Luke Donald (or Donno in honour of my namesake in Gloucester – see entry above 1549) birdies the opening hole to move up to +6. Anybody disappointed or surprised at the lack of firepower shown by the world number one over the last four days? Burnt out, some have suggested. Would welcome your thoughts.

1549: GOLFING NEWSFLASH: Matthew Zions of Australia has shot a 2-under 69 to win his first European Tour title at the Saint-Omer Open. England’s Daniel Denison shared second place with Peter Gustafsson of Sweden and Craig Lee of Scotland. Zions was a runner-up at last year’s Karnten Golf Open on the Challenge Tour and his previous best result on the European Tour was a ninth-place at the 2007 New Zealand Open.

1539: Mickelson opens up with pars (+7). As does the Hoff (Charley Hoffman). Not a huge amount of birdies out there so far. Apart from these boys: Brad Benjamin (+12), Alexandre Rocha (+9), Todd Hamilton (two birdies and is on +8), Anthony Kim (+7), Sangmoon Bae (+7), J.j. Henry (+7) and Scott Piercy (+6).

1528: Something else for the record. Despite having claimed two weeks ago that my live tennis text was my ‘last ever’ BBC live text shift, I can categorically and truthfully now claim that my words today will be the last you ever read on a BBC live text. FACT. So feel free to lambast me for my drivel, say hello or perhaps more simply, don’t do anything. TEXT OR TWEET – I’m not fussy.

1526: Kim starts off with two pars. Mickelson also stats with a par (+7). I wonder if he’ll ever gets his hands on this trophy?

1519: For the record, Westwood off at 2010. I made the assumption that you’d figure out he’d be going off just before Rory. Hey-ho. Never assume anything in this game eh. Which leads me to this – how are you Westwood fans feeling right now? Confident your boy can nibble away at McIlroy’s lead and cause a few problems?

1515: If there’s one bit of praise I can throw towards Mr Wes Hefferman today and that is he’s consistent. Bloomin consistent in fact. His card reads bogey, bogey bogey…….BOOM. And the second I type that he goes and pars the fourth. That’ll teach me. Thanks for making me look a fool Wes.

1510: My meteorological sources inform me the forecast for today at Congressional is as follows: 26 degrees. Hardly a breath of wind. And cloudy. Sounds OK for a dabble of golf no?

1503: What do you think of that little feast of fairway fireworks? Any players you’re particularly keen on following today?

1459: Anthony Kim off very shortly. Mickelson gets going at 1510 BST. Luke Donald and Bubba Watson tee off at 1540. Japanese youngster Ishikawa off at 1610. Robert Rock – 1630. Harrington and Kaymer – 1720. Oosthuizen and Stricker – 1830. McDowell and Frazar – 1840. Then it’s the big run-in. With Yang and McIlroy starting out at 2020.

1457: I’m in danger of offending all sorts of punters with my next entry but I’m going to pull out a few of the ‘bigger’ names of those teeing off in the next few hours. Please don’t get on my case if I don’t mention your favourite player…..actually – please get on my case, I’d love to hear from you. I’ve got the skin of a rhino so give me your beef if you’re feeling upset.

1453: Not the brightest of starts for the opening pair. Canadian Wes Heffernan starts his last round with two bogeys. His score now at +14. American Brad Benjamin (does any other country have residents called Brad?) pars the par-three second to follow up his opening bogey (+13).

1448: But you know what? It’s at least another 10 hours before we see who gets their paws on the famous silverware….there are 71 others still in this tournament you know. Let’s not forget them. Final round starts NOW. Benjamin and Hefferman are already swinging their clubs. Plenty of time for McIlroy chitter-chatter. So what are you all up to?

1440: The town of Holywood in Northern Ireland must be a strange place today. All the locals must be either crammed into a local boozer or packed on top of a few sofas waiting….just waiting to see if their boy – Rory McIlroy – can hold his nerve, nail his first major trophy and kick the demons from last year’s Open and the Masters two months ago right up the you know where…..Can any Holywood folk confirm?

1426: Afternoon. 18 holes. Just 18 holes left. It’s the last day of the 111th US Open, barring any electrical interference from the big man who lives above the clouds. Welcome. How we doing?