US Open Round 3 Tee Times: Saturday Pairings, Start Times & Expert Analysis

Published on: Jun 14, 2025

US Open Round 3: Saturday's Tee Times and Pairings - Everything You Need to Know

The intensity ramps up as we head into Round 3 of the US Open! Saturday's pairings are set, and the stage is primed for compelling golf. Knowing the tee times and pairings is crucial for fans, whether you're planning your viewing schedule from home or following the action live at the course. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Saturday's US Open Round 3, offering detailed tee times, a breakdown of key pairings, expert analysis, and insights into what to watch for as the contenders battle for position.

Why Tee Times Matter

Tee times aren't just about when golfers start their round. They significantly influence a player's experience and, potentially, their performance. Here's why:

Course Conditions: Early tee times often mean softer greens and less wind, potentially favoring aggressive play. Later tee times might face firmer greens and swirling winds, demanding more precision and strategic decision-making.
Crowd Dynamics: Early rounds tend to have smaller crowds, offering a calmer atmosphere. Later rounds see larger, more energetic crowds, which can both motivate and pressure players.
Weather: The weather can change dramatically throughout the day. Early starters might face morning dew, while afternoon players might encounter heat, humidity, or even thunderstorms. Understanding the forecast is vital for players and fans alike.
Momentum: Teeing off alongside specific players can affect a golfer's momentum. Playing with a friend or rival can either elevate or hinder their performance.

US Open Round 3 Tee Times: Complete List

Here's the definitive list of Saturday's US Open Round 3 tee times. Note: all times are Eastern Time (ET). This list will be updated periodically as needed, and can also be found on the US Open official website and major sports news outlets.

(Note: These tee times are for example purposes only. Please refer to the official US Open website for the most up-to-date information.)

8:00 AM: Player A, Player B
8:11 AM: Player C, Player D
8:22 AM: Player E, Player F
8:33 AM: Player G, Player H
8:44 AM: Player I, Player J
8:55 AM: Player K, Player L
9:06 AM: Player M, Player N
9:17 AM: Player O, Player P
9:28 AM: Player Q, Player R
9:39 AM: Player S, Player T
9:50 AM: Player U, Player V
10:01 AM: Player W, Player X
10:12 AM: Player Y, Player Z
10:23 AM: Player AA, Player BB
10:34 AM: Player CC, Player DD
10:45 AM: Player EE, Player FF
10:56 AM: Player GG, Player HH
11:07 AM: Player II, Player JJ
11:18 AM: Player KK, Player LL
11:29 AM: Player MM, Player NN
11:40 AM: Player OO, Player PP
11:51 AM: Player QQ, Player RR
12:02 PM: Player SS, Player TT
12:13 PM: Player UU, Player VV
12:24 PM: Player WW, Player XX
12:35 PM: Player YY, Player ZZ
12:46 PM: Player AAA, Player BBB
12:57 PM: Player CCC, Player DDD
1:08 PM: Player EEE, Player FFF
1:19 PM: Player GGG, Player HHH
1:30 PM: Player III, Player JJJ
1:41 PM: Player KKK, Player LLL
1:52 PM: Player MMM, Player NNN
2:03 PM: Player OOO, Player PPP
2:14 PM: Player QQQ, Player RRR
2:25 PM: Player SSS, Player TTT
2:36 PM: Player UUU, Player VVV
2:47 PM: Player WWW, Player XXX
2:58 PM: Player YYY, Player ZZZ

Key Pairings to Watch

Certain pairings stand out due to player rivalries, leaderboard positioning, or playing styles. These are the pairings that often generate the most buzz and excitement.

Analyzing Potential Key Pairings (Example)

Let's analyze a hypothetical pairing of Player X and Player Y. Player X is known for his aggressive, long-hitting style, while Player Y is renowned for his strategic course management and precise iron play. This contrast in styles could lead to fascinating dynamics on the course.

Clash of Styles: Will Player X's aggressive approach pay off, or will Player Y's precision prove more effective on the challenging US Open course?
Mental Game: How will each player handle the pressure of playing alongside a competitor with a contrasting style?
Course Management: The course will demand strategic decision-making. Which player's approach will ultimately yield the best results?

This type of analysis can be applied to other pairings to identify potential storylines and areas of interest.

Expert Insights and Predictions

Predicting the outcome of a US Open round is always challenging, but understanding key factors can provide valuable insights. Here are some aspects to consider:

Course Conditions: How will the course play on Saturday? Will the greens be firm and fast, or will they hold approach shots?
Weather Forecast: Are there any weather-related challenges in store, such as wind or rain?
Leaderboard Pressure: How will the players at the top of the leaderboard handle the pressure of being in contention?
Mental Fortitude: The US Open is a mental grind. Which players possess the mental strength to navigate the challenges and maintain their focus?

Strategies for Following the Action

With so much happening on the course, it's essential to have a plan for following the action. Here are some tips for maximizing your viewing experience:

Television Coverage: Check the TV schedule for live coverage on major networks and streaming services.
Online Leaderboard: The official US Open website provides a real-time leaderboard with up-to-the-minute scores.
Mobile App: Download the US Open mobile app for live streaming, highlights, and player tracking.
Social Media: Follow the US Open on social media for updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes content.

Understanding US Open Course Management and Strategy

The US Open is renowned for its challenging course setups, demanding precision, strategic thinking, and mental fortitude. Round 3 is a crucial juncture where players need to carefully navigate the course and execute their game plan effectively. Here's a detailed look at the strategic elements that come into play during this pivotal round.

Course Layout and Key Holes

The course layout is a fundamental factor influencing strategy. The US Open courses are meticulously designed to test every aspect of a golfer's game. Understanding the nuances of each hole is vital for success.

Length and Par: The course's overall length and the par of each hole dictate club selection and strategic approach. Longer holes often require aggressive play off the tee, while shorter par-4s and par-5s present opportunities for strategic risk-taking.
Fairway Width and Undulation: Narrow fairways and undulating surfaces demand accuracy off the tee. Players must position their drives strategically to avoid hazards and ensure a good angle for their approach shot.
Green Complexes: The design of the greens, including their size, slope, and undulation, significantly impacts approach shot strategy. Players need to consider the pin placement and aim for specific areas of the green to leave themselves with manageable putts.
Hazards: Water hazards, bunkers, and thick rough add to the challenge. Players must be aware of the location of these hazards and adjust their strategy accordingly.

Certain holes are considered more critical than others due to their difficulty or strategic importance. For example, a long par-4 with a narrow fairway and a heavily guarded green could be a pivotal hole where players can gain or lose significant ground.

Strategic Decision-Making

Strategic decision-making is paramount at the US Open. Players must carefully weigh their options and make informed choices based on the course conditions, their strengths and weaknesses, and the leaderboard situation.

Risk vs. Reward: Knowing when to take risks and when to play conservatively is a key element of strategy. Aggressive plays can pay off handsomely, but they also carry a higher risk of failure.
Club Selection: Choosing the right club for each shot is crucial for accuracy and distance control. Players must consider the wind, the lie of the ball, and the distance to the target.
Shot Shaping: The ability to shape shots – draw, fade, high, low – can be a valuable asset on a challenging course. Players can use shot shaping to navigate hazards, control trajectory, and position the ball strategically.
Putting Strategy: Accurate putting is essential for scoring well. Players must carefully read the greens, assess the break, and control their speed and distance.

The Impact of Course Conditions

Course conditions play a significant role in shaping strategy. Factors such as green speed, firmness, and wind can dramatically affect the way players approach the course.

Green Speed: Fast greens require a delicate touch and precise speed control. Slow greens allow players to be more aggressive with their putts.
Green Firmness: Firm greens make it difficult to hold approach shots, requiring players to land the ball short of the green and let it roll up. Soft greens allow players to attack the pin with greater confidence.
Wind: Wind can significantly affect ball flight and distance. Players must adjust their club selection and aim to compensate for the wind.

Mental Game and Pressure Management

The US Open is as much a mental test as it is a physical one. Players must be able to manage the pressure, stay focused, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the round.

Focus and Concentration: Maintaining focus and concentration is essential for making good decisions and executing shots effectively. Distractions and negative thoughts can derail a player's performance.
Emotional Control: The ability to control emotions – frustration, anxiety, excitement – is crucial for staying composed under pressure.
Positive Self-Talk: Using positive self-talk can help players build confidence and maintain a positive attitude.
Visualization: Visualizing successful shots can help players execute them more effectively.

Analyzing the Leaderboard and Key Players

As Round 3 unfolds, the leaderboard starts to take shape, revealing the contenders and the pretenders. Analyzing the leaderboard and focusing on the key players is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the tournament.

Leaderboard Analysis

The leaderboard provides a snapshot of the tournament standings. Analyzing the leaderboard can reveal valuable insights into which players are performing well and who is struggling.

Top Contenders: Identifying the players at the top of the leaderboard is the first step. These are the players who are in contention to win the tournament.
Moving Day: Round 3 is often referred to as "moving day" because players can make significant moves up or down the leaderboard. Keep an eye on players who are making a charge.
Key Statistics: Analyzing key statistics such as driving accuracy, greens in regulation, and putting average can provide insights into why certain players are performing well.
Course History: A player's past performance on the course can be an indicator of their potential success.

Player Profiles: Strengths and Weaknesses

Each player has their own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these attributes can help you predict how they will perform under pressure.

Driving Distance and Accuracy: Some players are known for their long drives, while others prioritize accuracy.
Iron Play: Accurate iron play is crucial for hitting greens in regulation and setting up scoring opportunities.
Short Game: A strong short game – chipping, pitching, and putting – is essential for saving par and making birdies.
Mental Fortitude: As discussed previously, mental fortitude is a key attribute for success at the US Open.

Head-to-Head Matchups

Head-to-head matchups between key players can create compelling storylines and generate excitement.

Rivalries: Some players have long-standing rivalries that add an extra layer of intensity to their matchups.
Style Clashes: As noted before, matchups between players with contrasting styles can be particularly interesting.
Pressure Situations: How players perform in pressure situations during head-to-head matchups can reveal their true character.

Impact of Past Performance

A player's past performance at the US Open and other major championships can provide insights into their ability to handle the pressure and challenges of the tournament.

Major Championship Experience: Players with extensive major championship experience may be better equipped to handle the pressure.
US Open Success: Past success at the US Open can breed confidence and provide a mental edge.
Recent Form: A player's recent form – their performance in recent tournaments – can be a good indicator of their current state of mind and playing ability.

US Open Round 3: Factors Influencing Performance

Many factors can impact a player's performance during Round 3 of the US Open, adding layers of complexity and unpredictability to the tournament. These factors range from physical conditioning to emotional resilience and can significantly influence the outcome.

Physical Conditioning and Stamina

The US Open demands exceptional physical conditioning due to the challenging course layouts, long rounds, and often grueling weather conditions.

Endurance: Players need the stamina to maintain their focus and energy levels throughout the entire round, especially on the back nine.
Strength and Flexibility: Strength and flexibility are crucial for generating power and maintaining accuracy, particularly off the tee and with long iron shots.
Hydration and Nutrition: Proper hydration and nutrition are essential for maintaining energy levels and preventing fatigue.
Injury Prevention: Avoiding injuries is crucial. Players need to take care of their bodies and manage any existing injuries.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can significantly impact a player's performance. Wind, rain, heat, and humidity can all pose challenges.

Wind: Wind can affect ball flight and distance, requiring players to adjust their club selection and aim.
Rain: Rain can make the course softer and slower, affecting green speed and requiring players to adjust their approach shots.
Heat and Humidity: Heat and humidity can lead to fatigue and dehydration, impacting a player's concentration and energy levels.

Course Management Strategies

Effective course management is vital for navigating the challenges of the US Open course.

Strategic Risk-Taking: Knowing when to take risks and when to play conservatively is essential for maximizing scoring opportunities while minimizing mistakes.
Pin Placement Awareness: Understanding pin placements and aiming for strategic areas of the green is crucial for leaving manageable putts.
Hazard Avoidance: Avoiding hazards – water, bunkers, thick rough – is paramount for minimizing damage and maintaining momentum.

Equipment and Technology

The right equipment and technology can provide players with a competitive edge.

Club Selection: Choosing the right clubs for the course and conditions is crucial for optimizing distance and accuracy.
Ball Selection: Using the right type of golf ball can improve performance in terms of distance, spin, and control.
Distance Measuring Devices: Rangefinders and GPS devices can help players accurately measure distances and make informed club selections.
Swing Analysis Technology: Swing analysis technology can provide valuable data on swing mechanics, helping players identify areas for improvement.

Mental and Emotional State

A player's mental and emotional state is perhaps the most critical factor influencing performance.

Confidence: Confidence is essential for believing in one's abilities and executing shots effectively.
Focus and Concentration: Maintaining focus and concentration is crucial for making good decisions and avoiding distractions.
Emotional Control: The ability to control emotions – frustration, anxiety, excitement – is vital for staying composed under pressure.
Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks – bad shots, missed putts – is crucial for maintaining momentum and finishing strong.

Conclusion: Round 3 – Shaping the US Open Championship

Round 3 of the US Open is a pivotal day that significantly shapes the championship's outcome. The tee times, pairings, course conditions, and player performances all converge to create a compelling narrative. By understanding the factors discussed in this article, fans can gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the game and the challenges faced by the world's best golfers.

As you follow the action on Saturday, remember that every shot counts, every decision matters, and the mental fortitude of the players will be tested to the limit. Round 3 is where contenders emerge, pretenders fade, and the stage is set for a thrilling final round.