Westwood carded two birdies and one bogey and hit nine out of 14 fairways to end the day as top Briton, two strokes behind leaders Kevin Streelman and Justin Hicks.

"I always feel like I should have a chance at the US Open because I drive the ball well generally," he added.

"This course in particular has grown on me since the week has gone on. It is a good shaper's course where you have to draw and fade the ball in equal measure.

"It is not in such a shape that you feel like there is a disaster waiting around the corner.

"There is definitely a way to play here and hopefully I might just have found that way. Hopefully I can keep that going for the next three days and have a chance on Sunday afternoon."