As Conditions Toughen, McCarthy Rises Up Leader Board

Cooler temperatures, stiffening winds that are gusting past 20 mph and drier, firmer conditions have allowed The Country Club to show its teeth in Saturday’s third round of the 122nd U.S. Open. The early scores have reflected the more difficult challenge presented to the competitors. Denny McCarthy, a 29-year-old Maryland native who is still searching for his first PGA Tour win (he has one Korn Ferry Tour title), was one of the few to turn in a sub-70 round on “Moving Day,” posting a 2-under-par 68 to charge from a tie for 55th to a share of 24th when he finished. Given the conditions, the 2015 USA Walker Cupper could find his way closer to the top 10 by day’s end. “I like playing in hard conditions,” said McCarthy, who is making his third U.S. Open start. “It was a great day for me to come out and shoot a decent number and watch the guys in the afternoon have to play this place.”