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McIlroy 'excited' for chance at U.S. Open title after Saturday charge

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Although Rory McIlroy has already become one of the all-time greats by winning four majors, the 31-year-old hasn't captured one of golf's four biggest titles since 2014.

Thanks to a 4-under 67 on Saturday at Torrey Pines, McIlroy could end that drought Sunday by capturing his second U.S. Open crown.

McIlroy acknowledged after his round that it's been a while since he's seriously contended.

"I'm trying to think of the last time where I really felt like I had a chance," McIlroy said, per ASAP Sports. "Carnoustie in '18 felt like I maybe had half a chance, going into the final day at Pebble in 2018. But apart from that ... (it) never felt like I was in the thick of things. I'm just excited for the opportunity to have a chance and be in one of the final groups."

McIlroy began Saturday six strokes off the pace. He shot a 1-under 34 on the opening nine before hitting the gas after the turn, as he birdied the 10th and holed an incredible pitch for another birdie on the difficult 12th.

McIlroy added additional birdies on both par 5s coming home to offset a bogey on the 15th and match the tournament's lowest round of the week.

If McIlroy can close the deal, he'd become the 10th man to win five majors before the age of 33, according to Justin Ray of Twenty First Group. He'd also become just the 20th man all time to win at least five major championships.

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