Wyndham Clark Takes Command at U.S. Open, Scheffler Strives for Grand Slam

Southampton, N.Y. — The challenging course at Shinnecock Hills couldn’t overshadow the resilience of Wyndham Clark as he put on a remarkable performance at the U.S. Open on Saturday. Clark managed several crucial par saves while Scottie Scheffler attempted to close the gap. Clark capitalized on his opportunities, including using a fairway metal to secure an eagle with a 4-foot putt on the par-5 16th, achieving a steady even-par 70. This remarkable effort led him to a six-shot advantage, a margin that has not been lost in over 125 previous U.S. Open events. Only Greg Norman has lost a six-shot lead, which occurred during the 1996 Masters.

Scottie Scheffler, acknowledging the support of the crowd, made significant strides with a birdie on the 16th hole during the third round at Shinnecock Hills on June 20, 2026, in Southampton, N.Y. Despite easing winds, Shinnecock Hills remained a tough test, with only two players breaking par — Emiliano Grillo in challenging 30-mph winds before the leaders started, and Scheffler with his impressive 69. Clark fell just shy, only missing a 5-foot par putt on the final hole, concluding at 7-under 203, the best 54-hole score recorded at Shinnecock Hills.

As Clark prepares for the final round, he’s poised to add another U.S. Open victory to the one he claimed at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023. Joining him is Scheffler, who holds the No. 1 ranking and aims to transform Sunday into a memorable occasion. Scheffler faces a lengthy challenge to achieve the career Grand Slam, a pursuit coinciding with his 30th birthday on Father’s Day. In his interview with NBC, Scheffler expressed with a smile, “There’s a lot of stuff going on. A special day. The tournament means a lot to me. Going to go out there and try to do my best and execute. I’ve been fighting like heck all week to stay in this tournament.”

Scheffler initially fell nine strokes behind due to early bogeys but rebounded with a solid 32 on the back nine, marked by chipping in from 65 feet on the 14th, sparking a series of three consecutive birdies. His regret for the day was failing to convert a 4-foot birdie putt on the final hole. Scheffler secured a position in the last group as Shinnecock Hills tested other competitors.

Following an incident a year ago involving a locker, Wyndham Clark finds himself leading another US Open. Sam Stevens, initially close to Clark with a two-shot difference, struggled with three consecutive bogeys after transitioning to the back nine and finished with six straight pars for a 72. Tom Kim experienced a similar struggle with untimely dropped shots, resulting in a score of 72. Sahith Theegala managed one birdie, one bogey, and 16 pars achieving a score of 70. This consistency, typical of U.S. Open performance, especially in this tournament, left them among only five players under par, tied at 1-under 209.