MATT FITZPATRICK looks set to join Jack Nicklaus as a golfing legend after another brilliant day at Brookline.

Fitzpatrick, the joint leader, has a great chance of becoming the second man after Nicklaus in the US Amateur title and the US Open at the same venue.

In 1961, the Golden Bear won the second US Amateur title at Pebble Beach. He also claimed the big one at the course eleven years later.

Fitzpatrick was the first Englishman ever to win the US Amatuer title in 102 years. He won it at Brookline in 2013, as an 18-year-old baby-faced boy with Alex serving as his steward.

According to the Sheffield golfer, he had been keeping this opportunity to return to his favorite course in his calendar for many years. It is not hard to see why.

Fitzpatrick, along with the man at four under par, Major specialist Will Zalatoris, seemed to be the only two players who were able to keep their heads up while everyone around them was losing theirs in round three of the US Open.

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After reaching the top of leaderboard, even Jon Rahm, the defending champion, got a nosebleed.

He had a clear shot playing the last but he left his second shot in fairway bunker while attempting to play his double bogey, which dropped him to third on three under.

Zalatoris set the clubhouse goal at four under par with his third round 67.

Fitzpatrick was first to reach the mark with a two-under par 68. Rahm then birdied three more holes in quick succession before he fell apart on the last hole.

The world No. 2 will begin as a marginal favourite to be the third man to defend the US Open title. However, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, and four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, are still in the mix despite third rounds that were sloppy.

McIlroy seemed like he was playing for himself with three early bogeys.

He managed to salvage a 73 with eight putts within nine holes, and is now only four shots behind the leader at one under.

Fitzpatrick, however, is clearly confident. Fitzpatrick stated that he was not aware of the significance of winning here and had been thinking about it for a while.

It would be a huge achievement, as this place is special to me. While winning the US Amateur was the most significant achievement of my career, a US Open win would be undoubtedly the best.

"I am staying with the same family that I stayed in 2013 and I have some family and friends to help me keep calm. I hope to be able finish it."

Fitzpatrick (27) looked certain to be the leader going into the final round. He made light of the 20-mile an hour wind and hard greens, with a scorching burst that saw him make three birdies in four holes starting at the 14th.

He was now at five under. He missed the chance to play in the final group for Sunday's second Major after a bogey at 18th, a notoriously difficult hole.

At the USPGA Championship last month, he was in that same position. However, he shot a three-over par 73 which dropped him from a share to fifth.

After that experience, Fitzpatrick will have a better understanding of the pressure involved in closing a Major.

Zalatoris will be the same. Justin Thomas won the play-off at last month's USPGA. He finished in the bottom eight in just three of his eight Major starts.