How far back is too far back? Here are the largest 54-hole comebacks in U.S. Open history

BROOKLINE, Mass. — With the wind blowing and the golf course firming up, Matt Fitzpatrick and Will Zalatoris put on a clinic Saturday during the third round of the U.S. Open. On a day that saw much of the field shoot over par, the two young guns stood up to the challenge shooting 68 and 67, respectively.

And the forecast doesn’t look any better for Sunday.

With more wind and even colder temperatures on deck, it will be difficult for someone further down the leaderboard to chase down the two frontrunners, especially if one of them can put together an under-par round.

Before the last several groups tee off, let’s take a look at the largest 54-hole comebacks in U.S. Open history.

7 shots: Arnold Palmer in 1960

Arnold Palmer after winning the 1960 U.S. Open (AP)

Palmer birdied six of his opening seven holes at Cherry Hills Country Club and finished the day with a 6-under 65 to best a young Jack Nicklaus by two.

6 shots: Johnny Miller in 1973

Johnny Miller, a South Carolina golfer who burned up the Oakmont, Pa., course with a 5-under par 279 and a record 63 for the day’s round, reacts in his early lead of the U.S. Open Golf championship. (AP Photo, File)

Miller’s final-round 63 at famed Oakmont was the first in major championship history.

5 shots: Four players

Lee Janzen at the 1998 U.S. Open (Phil Sheldon/Popperfoto/Getty Images)

Walter Hagen, 1919, Brae Burn Country Club

Johnny Farrell, 1928, Olympia Fields Country Club

Byron Nelson, 1939, Philadelphia Country Club

Lee Janzen, 1998, The Olympic Club