Phil Mickelson holds one-shot lead after Round 3 of U.S. Open

ARDMORE, Pa., June 15 (UPI) -- Phil Mickelson carded an even-par 70 Saturday, holding onto a one-shot lead as the only player to end under par after three rounds of the U.S. Open.

Mickelson took over the leaderboard with a birdie on the long par-3 17th at Merion Golf Club, then parred the final hole as his closest competitors stumbled down the stretch.

The five-time U.S. Open runner-up finished 54 holes of the year's second major at 1-under-par 209.

Charl Schwartzel and Hunter Mahan each bogeyed the final two holes, finishing the round with identical 1-under 69s. They ended alongside Steve Stricker (70) in second place at even-par 210.

Luke Donald also had trouble in the late going Saturday, dropping three shots over the final two holes to finish with a 71. He shared fifth place at 1-over 211 with Justin Rose (71) and second-round co-leader Billy Horschel (72).

Tiger Woods, seeking his fourth U.S. Open title, fell to a 6-over 76 and ended in a tie for 31st place at 9-over 219.