If anyone can catch Wyndham Clark at the 2026 U.S....
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Wyndham Clark held a six-shot lead heading into the final round of the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, closing Saturday with an eagle on the par-5 16th after hitting a sky-high 3-wood that mirrored Scheffler's approach on the same hole.
- Scottie Scheffler mounted a fiery charge with three consecutive birdies on holes 14, 15, and 16, capped by a 65-foot chip-in on 14 that drew the loudest roar of the week from the New York crowd.
- Scheffler was one of only two players to card an under-par round Saturday, on a day the source describes as the moment Shinnecock 'finally showed its true colors' as a difficult test.
- Clark won his lone major at the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, holding off Scheffler after carrying a share of the 54-hole lead — an experience he said has replaced the doubts he felt the first time.
- Xander Schauffele, who sits at 1-under alongside three other players, said 'It's all in Wyndham's hands. If he shoots even par or 1-over or 2-over, he's going to win the golf tournament.'
- Scheffler turns 30 on Sunday and would complete the career Grand Slam with a win — a milestone the source notes has arrived in just four years atop the sport.
- Shinnecock Hills is expected to play its firmest and most difficult setup of the week on Sunday, with the USGA reportedly allowing the venue to fulfill its tough reputation after a more forgiving opening three rounds.
Why it matters: A six-shot 54-hole lead is among the largest in recent major championship history, and Clark's prior major victory gives him a comfort advantage Scheffler lacked at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023. Sunday carries a career Grand Slam for Scheffler on his 30th birthday, while the USGA's decision to let Shinnecock finally play firm could neutralize the leader's cushion on a course where Scheffler's ball-striking has historically thrived in difficult conditions.
