Tom Lehman probably won’t be sleeping as late Sunday as he’s used to doing during a U.S. Open.

Playing in the final group the last three Opens, Lehman has had Sunday’s lastest starting time. After shooting a 73 Saturday during the third round, Lehman stands at 220, 10-over for the tournament, and mired in the middle of the pack heading into Sunday’s final round.

No sleeping in today, since his chances of an early starting time are looking good.

His chances to contend for the Open championship this year aren’t looking so good.

"Tomorrow will be different," Lehman said about not starting early Sunday. "But I think I still have a good round in me."

Lehman is coming off a run of four years at the Open in which he has finished tied for third twice and tied for second and fifth the other two years.

And on a course like No. 2 that demands precision around the greens, Lehman’s four-year streak of challenging at Opens fell victim to a balky putter.

"I’m not hitting the driver all that well," Lehman said. "But the biggest problem has been with putting. I’ve had three birdies in three days and one of them was a chip-in."

Lehman has only hit 57 percent of the fairways this week, while averaging a little over 31 putts per round.

The pin placements haven’t helped any, Lehman said.

"The pins are out on these little ledges," Lehman said. "It’s like they’re sticking out of nowhere –– like in the air somewhere."

Asked if this was the toughest Open course he had ever played, Lehman said, "Oh, yes. This almost makes Augusta look easy."

Lehman pointed out that Augusta (where the Masters is played) with its water is different from No. 2, and probably yields bigger numbers because of the water. But No. 2 has its own unique travails –– the constant need to get up and down when missing greens.

"Here I don’t worry so much about the really big numbers,"Lehman said, "but making a bogey on every hole."

Lehman has recorded 11 bogeys in the three rounds and collected his first double bogey with a six at the second hole Saturday.

Part of that fear of bogey has been enhanced by the pin locations.

"The pins are right on the crowns," Lehman said. "It’s difficult to read putts."

Asked if he was disappointed about not being in the hunt this year, Lehman joked "I’m going to go out and shoot a 59 tomorrow."

If he does, he’ll certainly be the final round’s early leader.