Wyndham Clark heads into the final round of the U.S. Open with a six-shot lead, but Scottie Scheffler is the player most likely to make that margin feel fragile. The world No. 1 closed with a late surge at Shinnecock Hills and is the clearest threat to a Clark win.
Scheffler’s round turned sharply after a chip-in birdie from 65 feet on the 14th hole. He followed it with birdies on 15 and 16, finishing as one of only two players to break par on a difficult day at the course, according to ESPN.
Scheffler finally found his momentum
For much of the week, Scheffler had been working without the kind of charge that usually defines his major championship runs. The late burst changed that, and his reaction showed it with a fist pump, a yell and a noticeable lift in his step.
“We’ve been battling for three days now,” Scheffler said of the chip-in. “So to steal a shot there at least is a pretty good feeling.”
He also said, “I’d rather be leading,” but acknowledged that the situation is still uncertain with Clark in control. Scheffler said he will need “a really nice round tomorrow” if he is going to catch him.
Clark still holds the advantage
Clark’s own charge on the back nine kept the race from getting closer. He played his way through the difficult stretch and then made eagle on 16 after a high 3-wood, extending his lead to a historic six shots going into Sunday.
That advantage is especially meaningful because Clark has already handled a similar moment before. In 2023, he protected a share of the 54-hole lead at Los Angeles Country Club and beat Scheffler and others to win his first major.
“I’m definitely a lot more confident and believe I can do it,” Clark said. “Now that I have done it, I know I can do it again.”
Why Scheffler remains the biggest threat
Clark’s lead is large, but Scheffler remains the one name that can change the mood of the final group. He has spent the season showing a high floor without a win, with seven top-10 finishes and no result worse than a tie for 24th.
He turns 30 on Sunday and will tee off with a chance to win the career Grand Slam. That adds another layer to a final round already defined by pressure, difficult conditions and the possibility of a historic finish.
“I think it’s appropriate to understand what’s at stake,” Scheffler said. “I’ve worked really hard for a long time to have a chance to win golf tournaments and to win major championships.”
The setup at Shinnecock is expected to become even tougher for the final round, with the USGA likely allowing the course to play firmer and more difficult. That is the kind of test Scheffler has often embraced, but now he is the one who has to chase.
Xander Schauffele, who sits at 1-under, said the race still belongs to Clark if he plays cleanly. “It’s all in Wyndham’s hands, really,” Schauffele said. “If he plays a really solid round of golf tomorrow, if he shoots even par or 1-over or 2-over, he’s going to win the golf tournament.”
That is why Scheffler’s presence matters so much. If anyone can erase a six-shot deficit at a major, it is the player who has been the most consistent force in the game all year.