Wyndham Clark extended his lead to six strokes at the US Open after a gritty even-par 70 in the third round at Shinnecock Hills, putting him on the verge of capturing America's national championship for a second time in four years. The 32-year-old American, who set a 36-hole scoring record at seven under par, saw his advantage briefly shrink to two shots after a bogey at the first hole but responded with a masterclass in survival golf as winds near 40mph made conditions treacherous.
Lead shrinks then grows
Clark's four-shot lead was halved on the opening hole when Sam Stevens made birdie and Clark's approach spun back down the false front of the 1st green, leading to a six-foot par putt that slid past. However, Clark steadied with a birdie at the par-five 5th and produced timely par saves from distances of five, six, seven and 14 feet throughout the round. He said: "That's what you have to make to win US Opens. You're not going to have too many birdie putts … you've got to make those kind of five- to 12-footers."
Scheffler emerges as closest threat
Scottie Scheffler posted the best round among contenders, a one-under 69, to move into second place alone at one under par. The world No. 1 opened with back-to-back bogeys but rallied with birdies at the 10th and three consecutive holes from the 14th, including a 65-foot chip-in. A bogey at the 17th and a missed four-foot birdie at the last prevented a lower score. Sunday's final round falls on Scheffler's 30th birthday and Father's Day, and victory would complete the career grand slam. "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."
McIlroy's charge fades
Rory McIlroy appeared ready to challenge after three consecutive birdies from the 5th, including a 66-foot putt from off the 6th green, moving to two under par. But his approach from 49 yards at the 10th bounded through the green leading to bogey, followed by a three-putt at the 12th and further mistakes at the 14th, 15th and 18th for a three-over 73. He left without speaking to reporters.
Clark's knockout blow at 16th
The decisive moment came at the par-five 16th, where Clark hit a towering 275-yard approach that settled inside five feet, setting up the first eagle of the week at the hole. That effectively slammed the door on the field. His six-shot lead is the third-largest 54-hole advantage in US Open history since World War II. History strongly favors Clark: 20 of 21 players who have carried a lead of six shots or more into the final round of a major went on to win, the lone exception being Greg Norman's collapse at the 1996 Masters.
Other contenders
Sam Stevens, Tom Kim and Sahith Theegala are tied with Scheffler at one under par. Stevens, a 29-year-old Texan playing his eighth major and still seeking his first PGA Tour win, remained in the mix after a composed display. Matt Fitzpatrick, who began the day tied for second, slipped with a 74. Emiliano Grillo posted the day's low round, a three-under 67, joining a group at even par that includes Xander Schauffele and Sam Burns. Tournament officials announced a record-equalling $22.5 million purse, with the winner receiving $4.5 million.
Clark's confidence high
Clark, who first moved into the lead at 7.09pm on Thursday and has not relinquished it since, said: "Scottie is the best player in the world, and he's going to play probably really good. He always does. But it's nice to have a six-shot lead on him." He added: "I'm not necessarily thinking about my lead or anything. If I go out and execute and go through my process and hit the shots I know I can hit, I like my chances."
