Kelly, Stricker share special day as they contend at U.S. Senior Open

STEVENS POINT, WI. — Jerry Kelly called it a fairytale. Steve Stricker couldn’t believe how special the moment was.

The two were paired together Saturday in the third round of the U.S. Senior Open at SentryWorld, homegrown favorites for a national championship in their own backyard – and they did not disappoint as they will head to Sunday with a chance to chase down leader Bernhard Langer.

“I think there’s a score out there,” Kelly said. “If you can get to that front side and just keep going on the back, I think it’s there. But the front side is tough to get under par. It really is. Just see if I can turn at under and try to step on the gas a little bit.”

Kelly shot a 3-under 68 on Saturday to move to 4 under for the tournament and will be paired with Langer in the final group at 12:34 p.m. ET Sunday.

Langer, who has won 11 senior majors, also shot a 68 and is 6 under for the tournament.

“It’s going to be difficult,” Langer said of playing with Kelly. “I remember playing against Fred Couples in Seattle, actually in this championship, and if there were 30,000 people, there were every one of them cheering for Fred, and the only one for me was my caddie, who was my son at the time. It was like a Ryder Cup match in America.

“It’s going to be similar (Sunday) I take it. Hopefully, the crowd will be somewhat fair and still appreciate good golf shots. I understand. They want their hometown boy to win. I’ve been there myself. It’s going to be an interesting day.”

Kelly got into the final group after he drained a long birdie from off the back of the green on No. 18 to pull within a shot of Langer. Then Stricker buried a long birdie of his own on top of it to keep pace. The two shared smiles, a hug and some back slaps on the green after an unforgettable day.

Meanwhile, Langer just continued at his pace. He birdied No. 17, his first after recording 11 consecutive pars, to give himself a two-shot cushion over Kelly and three over Stricker.

Chasing down Langer will be difficult, as the 65-year-old needs just one more victory to pass Hale Irwin for most senior tour wins with 46.

“You know he’s going to be tough,” Kelly said. “He’s smelling 46 right now. I think he’s over that ‘I’m tied and I’m getting my next one.’ Now he’s looking at a USGA championship, I think he’s past that focus. I really do. I think he’s going to come on strong. I don’t see him letting up.”

Langer was stone-faced walking up the…