Runners and riders

Paul Mahoney examines the runners and riders going into the final day's play at Whistling Straits

Nick Watney

Nick Watney -13 Aged 29 from Sacramento, California World ranking: 29 Has two tour PGA Tour victories and is coached by his Uncle Mike while his Auntie bakes him cakes. Was the No.1 player in his senior year at Fresno State, which is a college not a prison. The only player with all three rounds in the 60s. From the same management company as Phil Mickelson so will have had good advice over dinner on Saturday night.

Chances: Mickelson went 0 and 46 in the Majors before the 2004 Masters

Dustin Johnson -10 Aged 26 from Columbia, South Carolina World ranking: 31 Three victories include the 2010 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Had three-shot lead on Sunday at the US Open but blew six shots and finished with an 82. Was forced to buy bullets as a 17-year-old that where used in a gangland killing. "I learned not to hang out with hooligans," Johnson says, having turned his life around.

Chances: Tiger calls him "stoopid long". Could he his downfall in the wind.

Rory McIlroy -10 Aged 21 from Holywood, Northern Ireland World ranking: 8 Victory in Dubai last year announced his arrival. Shooting 62 to win at Quail Hollow on the PGA Tour this year rocketed him into the stratosphere. Shot 80 in the second round at the Open and still finished 3rd. Has bought a season ticket to watch Manchester United this season but has no idea when he'll have the time to go to Old Trafford. So there's a seat up for grabs. Give him a call. His game should suit the windy conditions.

Chances: Had dinner with Darren Clarke on Saturday night. "Lost count of the times Darren told him to be patient," said his manager Chubby Chandler. McIlroy's Major for the taking.

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