The world number one’s 14th major title came two months after he had undergone knee surgery.
But Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy also has his eyes set on the prize, hoping to end his long majors drought at Pinehurst.
Bryson DeChambeau brushed off hip issues to move three shots clear at the top of the US Open third round leaderboard on Saturday, setting up a showdown with world No3 Rory McIlroy.