Steve Stricker would become the oldest champion in US Open history and the second-oldest on record in major golf if he can pull off his first major title on Sunday at the US Open.

The 46-year-old American fired a par-70 in Saturday’s third round at Merion to stand on level-par 210, sharing second with Hunter Mahan and Charl Schwartzel but only one stroke behind four-time major winner Phil Mickelson.

“To win a major would be unbelievable,” Stricker said.

“But I’m not trying to think about that yet. I’m just trying to execute the shots that I know how to do and take one shot at a time and go from there.

“It would mean a lot. It really would. But it’s going to be a challenge tomorrow.”

Stricker would surpass Hale Irwin, who won the 1990 US Open aged 45, as the oldest winner of the event and would trail only Julius Boros, who was 48 when he claimed the 1968 PGA Championship.

Stricker, who this year adopted a part-time schedule to spend more time with his family and focus his efforts on major tournaments, also would be two weeks older than Tom Morris when he won the 1867 British Open and about a month older than Jack Nicklaus when he triumphed at the 1986 Masters.

Age has taken some things from Stricker but left him with the skill and patience to grind out pars and make the most of the few chances Merion offers.

“I’m not the longest hitter in the field,” he said.

“There are some holes out here that I have to really work hard to make pars on. It’s a long course for me.”

Stricker knows younger rivals can take different approaches but his must be calculated and precise.

“I’ve got to play smart golf. I’ve got to not make any mistakes,” Stricker said.

“That’s the biggest thing. And it’s a course where it’s tough to come back from.”