
Record breaker! Justin Thomas shoots the lowest round in relation to par in US Open history with a nine-under 63 to set the pace on day three at Erin Hills.

Thomas, 24, unleashed his three-wood second shot 310 yards to reach the green on the 667-yard par-five 18th to set up an eight-feet record-breaking eagle putt. "Oh gosh, Jimmy, be good," he said to his caddie as the ball was in the air.

The clouds closed in on Jordan Spieth's prospects of adding to his Masters and US Open titles from 2015, slipping back to four over after a third-round 76.

Patrick Reed, dubbed "Captain America" for his inspirational Ryder Cup performances, missed a putt on the last for a 64 but finished tied seventh at eight under for the tournament.

It's behind you. South Korea's Si Woo Kim (left), the Players champion, ended nine under in sixth place, while JB Holmes (right) was back in 14th at six under.

Rickie Fowler's mood was darkening after a mid-round stumble Saturday...

...but the American got back on the birdie train with three in a row from the 14th and ended with a 68 for 10 under, right back in contention just two adrift.

Left-hander Brian Harman emerged top of the pack with a third-round 67 to lead by one at 12 under going into Sunday's final round.

The 30-year-old Harman leads from England's Tommy Fleetwood (left), Brooks Koepka (right) and Thomas.

Erin Hills is the longest course in US Open history but with more wind forecast for Sunday it could prove a completely different proposition.