Hossler hanging around U.S. Open lead

• By Jay Coffin
• Jun 16, 2012 10:30 PM ET

SAN FRANCISCO – Beau Hossler has said all week that his goal is to be low amateur at the U.S. Open. That’s still a goal but there’s a newer one that is more lofty for the 17-year-old who recently completed his junior year of high school.

“I still have the goal to be low amateur,” Hossler said. “But my new goal now is to win the tournament.”

Hossler shot even-par 70 Saturday in the third round of the U.S. Open at The Olympic Club and showed poise that many veterans – including Tiger Woods – did not show. He made four birdies and four bogeys and is tied for eighth place, four shots behind leaders Graeme McDowell and Jim Furyk.

Jordan Spieth is 7 over and Patrick Cantlay is 9 over in the low amateur race. Tiger Woods shot 75.

Hossler just isn’t going away. The kid opened with 70 in the first round to introduce himself to the golf universe then actually led the championship for a brief moment Friday during the second round. While many are just waiting for Hossler to make a hiccup, he continues to plod along and produce solid scores like the Saturday 70.

Now, on the eve of the final round of the U.S. Open, there’s a question swirling that, at the beginning of the week, not many could imagine being asked: Can a 17-year-old win the U.S. Open?

“Absolutely, there’s not a doubt in my mind,” Hossler said. “Go out there and do everything right mentally and physically, but it’s definitely out there for me.”