US Open: Four under par could still win this!

View of the dramatic 17th hole at Bethpage Black

  A clubhouse target of four under par could well be good enough to win the weather-affected US Open which is entering its fifth day and could even need a play-off later today to decide the winner.

Currently at least a third of the 60 players completing the 72 holes - among them defending champion Tiger Woods - are capable of setting that mark as the field bunches up behind overnight leaders Ricky Barnes and Lucas Glover.

Rick Barnes driving at the 55th hole with his Callaway FT-5

Barnes, a former US Amateur champion, who has done nothing of late to justify his lofty perch among the world's elite, had his score at 11-under par with an outrageous eagle early in his delayed third round but the course finally wore him down, much to the relief of USGA officials.

They see their championship courses as the ultimate examination and wish no repeat of Tiger Woods 15-under par demolition of Pebble Beach in 2000.

But after taking a one shot lead on eight-under par Barnes suffered an immediate setback with a bogey five at the 55th hole and bringing him back level with journeyman Glover, before officials suspended play because of poor light.

Lucas Glover uses a Nike Sasquatch driver

Canadian Mike Weir is holding on at one under par, while Woods is on level par alongside Retief Goosen, Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell and Dane Soren Hansen.

Even Rory McIlroy has a slim shout on +2 having already picked up two birdies in nine holes.

“If I go out and get four birdies on the last eight holes and post two under par you never know," said an ever-confident McIlroy. “But we'll see what happens. If I play the way I did for the first ten holes I'll have a good chance to get to red figures for the tournament.”

Two under, however, may just fall short. I'm more inclined to think four or even three under will at least earn a play-off. Tell us on the forum what score will set the clubhouse target.