Wyndham Clark carded an even-par 70 in the third round of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills to extend his lead to six shots, putting him on the cusp of a second national championship in four years. The 32-year-old American, who set a 36-hole scoring record at seven under par, saw his advantage briefly cut to two shots after a bogey at the 1st hole, but he responded with gritty par saves and a pivotal eagle at the 16th to regain control.
Clark's Gritty Display
Clark's lead shrank from four to two shots when his approach at the 1st spun back off the green and he missed a six-foot par putt. However, he steadied himself with a birdie at the par-five 5th and a series of crucial par saves from distances of 5, 6, 7, and 14 feet. “That’s what you have to make to win US Opens,” Clark said. “You’re not going to have too many birdie putts … you’ve got to make those kind of five- to 12-footers.”
The decisive moment came at the 16th hole, where Clark launched a towering 275-yard approach that settled inside five feet of the flag, setting up the first eagle of the week at that hole and effectively slamming the door on the field. The exposed layout played firmer and faster in winds approaching 40mph, with only five of the ten players who started the day under par finishing there.
Scheffler Emerges as Main Challenger
Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, posted the best round among the leading contenders with a one-under 69 to sit alone in second place at one under par. After opening with back-to-back bogeys, Scheffler sparked a turnaround with a birdie at the 10th, then made three consecutive birdies from the 14th, including a 65-foot chip-in from off the green. A bogey at the 17th and a missed four-foot birdie at the last prevented a lower score, but he remains the closest threat. “I’d rather be leading,” Scheffler said. “But I have an opportunity to go out there and have a great round and give myself a chance to win the tournament.”
Sunday’s final round falls on Scheffler’s 30th birthday and Father’s Day. Victory would complete the career grand slam, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy as the only men to win all four major championships.
McIlroy's Charge Fades
Rory McIlroy appeared poised to challenge after three consecutive birdies from the 5th hole, including a remarkable 66-foot putt from off the 6th green, moving him to two under par. However, his round unravelled with a bogey from 49 yards at the 10th, a three-putt at the 12th, and further mistakes at the 14th, 15th, and 18th, resulting in a three-over 73. He left the course without speaking to reporters.
Sam Stevens, in a four-way share of second at one under par with Scheffler, Tom Kim, and Sahith Theegala, continued his surprising run. The 29-year-old Texan, playing only his eighth major and seeking his first PGA Tour victory, remained composed throughout. Matt Fitzpatrick, who began the day tied for second, slipped with a 74.
History Favours Clark
Clark’s six-shot lead is the third-largest 54-hole advantage in US Open history since World War II. Of the 21 players who have carried a lead of six shots or more into the final round of a major championship, 20 have gone on to win. The lone exception is Greg Norman’s collapse at the 1996 Masters, where a closing 78 turned a six-shot lead into a five-shot defeat. “Scottie is the best player in the world, and he’s going to play probably really good. He always does,” Clark said. “But it’s nice to have a six-shot lead on him.”
Tournament officials announced a record-equalling $22.5 million (£18.9 million) purse on Saturday, with the winner set to receive $4.5 million.
