2016 U.S. Open leaderboard: Jordan Spieth, Jason Day charging back into contention

Defending U.S. Open champion Jordan Spieth had a rough go during the first two rounds at Oakmont Country Club, but a birdie barrage to start the third round has him suddenly surging back into contention. Spieth birdied three of his first four holes and is now just five shots off the lead.

Spieth managed just five birdies during his first 36 holes. That left him at 4-over through two rounds and closer to the cut line than the lead. He’s made a quick run in the third round thanks to a hot putter. Spieth is among the best putters on Tour and when he gets rolling, there may not be anyone better. That’s been the case on Saturday where he’s drained a couple nice putts for red numbers. Like this birdie at No. 12, his third hole of the day.

Jason Day is also making a surge. Like Spieth, Day has birdied three of his first four holes. That early run has him at 2-over for the tournament. Both players have gone from in danger of missing the cut, to now putting pressure on the leaders.

While there have been some red numbers to start the third round, Oakmont is still proving to be very difficult. If that keeps up, some of the leaders might come back to the back. Bryson DeChambeau said he thinks the winning score might end up at even par. Early birdies are a great start, but Spieth, Day and the rest of the field will need to maintain that level of play if they are going to stay in the mix with Dustin Johnson who will begin the third round in the lead at 4-under.

Here is a full look at the leaderboard. For a live leaderboard, head over to USOpen.com.