lign="left" />
John Senden knew he wasn’t the star attraction at Chambers Bay today.
Playing in a group with Rory McIlroy, he knew the world’s golfing photographers would be nearby.
What he didn’t budget on was the attention the crowd gave to glamorous LPGA star turned Fox roving commentator Natalie Gulbis would also garner.
But amid all the hoopla and a now customary McIlroy Sunday charge, the big Queenslander quietly made his own statement.
And he hopes strongly that Presidents Cup captain Nick Price was watching on with the International team selection looming large.
Senden charged home with a fighting 68 to vault up to two over par overall and another top-15 major finish.
Impressively, it’s his fourth top-30 finish in the past five US Opens.
“The Presidents Cup is definitely a goal. I’ve got it written down,” Senden said after his four-birdie round.
“But I try to just displace it and play golf.
“Each week I’m just building, building, building and from the start of the year I’ve felt like I’m getting closer to a win.
“It gives me confidence for the Scottish events coming up (including the Open Championship) and end of the year stuff in the US, which is good.
“And I need to keep proving to Nicky Price that I’m good enough (to be in the Inernational team).”
McIlroy charged to six under for his round through 13 holes and had Chambers Bay buzzing.
Senden said the Northern Irishman’s momentum helped spur him along.
“It was fun to follow him on his run and ride the momentum home – it was a fun day.”