JUSTINCREDIBLE!

THOMAS ONE BACK AFTER HISTORIC 63 IN U.S. OPEN

ERIN, Wis. — Being a part of history is cool with Justin Thomas, but he wants more. A lot more. Thomas catapulted himself into contention to win the 117th U.S. Open Saturday at Erin Hills with a record-breaking 9-under 63 to get to 11-under, one shot off the lead held by Brian Harman entering Sunday’s final round.

Thomas’ jewel of a round set a new U.S. Open record for lowest score in relation to par, breaking the previous record held by Johnny Miller, whose 8-under 63 came in the final round in 1973 at Oakmont. Thomas became just the fifth player ever to shoot 63 in a U.S. Open.

But they don’t give out trophies for record scores.

“It means I’m a part of history,” Thomas said. “It means I have a lot better chance to win the tournament than I did when the day started. It’s all pretty self-explanatory, I guess, in terms of what it means.

“I’m not sure when it’s going to sink in or when I’m going to realize what I did. I know one thing: If it happened [Sunday] and the result is what I want it to be, then I’d probably have a little different feeling. I’m just so excited to give myself a great chance to win this golf tournament.

“I felt like my game has been good enough to compete in the majors this year. So to be able to do so and have a chance [Sunday] is just going to be great.’’

There are a number of players with a great chance to win.

After Harmon, who’s 12-under after shooting 67 on Saturday, come Thomas, Brooks Keopka and Tommy Fleetwood at 11-under, then Rickie Fowler at 10-under. Si Woo Kim, the reigning Players Championship winner, is 9-under and Patrick Reed, Russell Henley and Charley Hoffman are 8-under.

Even the players at 7-under — Bill Haas, Brandt Snedeker, Brandon Steele and PGA Tour rookie Xander Schauffele — have a fair chance to hoist the U.S. Open trophy by Sunday evening.

The common denominator to every one of the above-mentioned players: None has won a major championship. You have to go down to Louis Oosthuizen in 17th place to find the first major championship winner on the leaderboard. Among the top-25 players on the leaderboard, there are only two major championship winners — Oosthuizen, who won the 2010 British Open, and this year’s Mas- ters winner, Sergio Garcia. Did somebody say “trend?’’ The past six major championship champions were first-time major winners.

“It’s going to be a really cool day for someone [Sunday],’’ Fowler said. “I’m looking forward to my shot at it, and I know it’s not going to be an easy day, for sure. I’ve been there a handful of times and had some good finishes. But I’m looking forward to getting the job done.

“Looking and seeing the leaderboard, a lot of young guys, lot of great players. Someone has a very good chance of ending up with their first major.’’

The 24-year-old Thomas, who shot 59 earlier this year in Hawaii and won three tournaments earlier this season, was the star of the show on this day.

“I felt like I’ve been playing pretty well all week, and didn’t quite have the numbers to show for it,’’ Thomas said. “Obviously, [Saturday] I definitely had something to show for it.”

Thomas made an eagle, nine birdies and two bogeys in his round. He played the front nine in 31 with three straight birdies to finish, then played the last seven holes in 5-under.

The pièce de résistance in his round was the eagle 3 he posted on the 667-yard, par-5 18th hole to set the scoring record. Thomas hit a 310-yard 3-wood to reach the green in two, his ball nestling eight feet from the hole.

“The 3-wood on 18? That was pretty sweet,’’ Thomas said.

As he and caddie Jimmy Johnson walked down the 18th fairway, Thomas said, “Let’s try to become a part of history here.’’

“But I had no idea in terms of 9-under being the best in the U.S. Open,” Thomas said later. “I was in a great zone out there. Everything has been flowing. So I’m sure once I sit down and relax tonight it will maybe set in a little bit more.’’

Thomas has proven himself to be unafraid. Sure he’s only 24, stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs just 145 pounds. His golf bag probably weighs almost that. But he’s not afraid of success.

He’s not afraid to go low — evidenced by the 59 he shot in the opening round of the Sony Open, backed up by a second-round 64. And he’s not afraid to win tournaments — evidenced by the three he already has won this year, including that Sony Open.

“I’m excited,’’ Thomas said. “It’s great to be in the position that I am. I’m just excited for [Sunday].