In Southampton, New York, Shinnecock Hills presented a formidable challenge at the U.S. Open on Saturday. Yet, Wyndham Clark proved even tougher. Holding a six-shot lead, Clark made important par saves around the turn. As Scottie Scheffler advanced, Clark delivered a fairway metal shot to four feet for eagle on the par-5 16th. This resulted in an even-par 70 for the day.
Historically, no player has lost a lead greater than five shots in the 125 previous U.S. Open editions. Only Greg Norman surrendered a six-shot lead in the 1996 Masters. Scheffler acknowledged the crowd after a birdie on the 16th during the third round of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills on June 20, 2026.
Shinnecock Hills performed as anticipated, even after strong winds diminished. Only two competitors broke par during the third round. Emiliano Grillo did so in 30-mph wind before the leaders began, while Scheffler scored 69. Clark almost joined them; despite his solid performance, he missed a 5-foot putt on the last hole. He concluded at 7-under 203, marking the lowest 54-hole score at Shinnecock Hills.
Clark now holds potential to secure another U.S. Open victory, adding to his 2023 win at Los Angeles Country Club. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, will join him, seeking to transform Sunday into an extraordinary event. For Scheffler, whose 30th birthday coincides with Father’s Day, a rare career Grand Slam is at stake. He remarked, “There’s a lot happening,” during an interview with NBC. “The tournament means a lot to me. I will do my best to execute.”
Scheffler began nine shots behind after early bogeys but shot 32 on the back nine. He chipped in from 65 feet on the 14th, launching three consecutive birdies. Missing a 4-foot birdie putt on the final hole was his main regret. Shinnecock Hills challenged others, allowing Scheffler to join the last group.
Wyndham Clark leads despite breaking a locker at a previous U.S. Open. Sam Stevens pressures Clark, nearing within two shots before dropping to a 72 with back-nine struggles. Tom Kim scored 72 after double blemishes late in his round. Sahith Theegala’s round consisted of one birdie, one bogey, and 16 pars, resulting in a 70. Theegala, Stevens, and Kim stand at 1-under 209, with only five players under par overall.
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