US Open: Clark Leads As Scheffler Surges In Final Round

Wyndham Clark carries a commanding six-shot advantage into the US Open final round at Shinnecock Hills, with world number one Scottie Scheffler leading the pursuit. Clark, the 2023 US Open winner, posted a third-round 70 to reach the top, while Scheffler and several challengers try to stay within reach ahead of June 21, 2026.

Clark’s third round mixed control with frustration. The scorecard showed three bogeys, two birdies and an eagle, yet Clark believed the gap over the field could have been larger. The late bogey on the 18th and another on the 15th limited the margin, despite the defending champion still holding a clear cushion.

Scheffler’s route to second place involved both setbacks and recovery. After earlier rounds of 72 and 68, the third round began badly with consecutive bogeys. Scheffler then responded with four birdies in six holes, highlighted by a precise chip-in at the 14th, moving to one-under-par. That score left Scheffler tied in second with Sahith Theegala, Tom Kim and Sam Stevens.

Scheffler underlined the importance of staying composed in major championship contention and explained how long-term preparation supports this opportunity.

"We've been battling hard for a few days, and I did a good job of keeping myself in the tournament," Scheffler said. "I'll need a really nice round if I'm going to try and catch Wyndham. I've worked really hard for a long time to have a chance to win golf tournaments and to win major championships. I think understanding the moment and giving it your best shot is all part of the process. We want to be in these positions. This is why we practise and play, to have the opportunity to win golf tournaments, and that's what [Sunday]is. I have an opportunity to go out there and have a great round and give myself a chance to win the tournament."

The tweet confirms Scheffler will play in the last group on June 21, 2026, as Clark’s nearest high-profile rival. That final pairing places Scheffler directly alongside the leader, offering clear visibility of the target score throughout the closing round of this US Open.

Several players made significant moves behind Clark and Scheffler. Emiliano Grillo climbed 40 places after producing the day’s best round, a five-under 67. Tommy Fleetwood also improved his position, carding a 70 to jump 12 spots into a share of 10th. Their progress added further depth to the chasing pack around Shinnecock Hills.

Fleetwood reflected on steady scoring across the second and third rounds, while accepting that others control the title race.

"The tournament is not really in my control," said Fleetwood. "I felt like I probably should have or could have got a couple more out of it [the round on Friday] and almost feel the same [after Saturday]. I can't complain about where I am. I've been playing really, really well. I've just got to go out there, shoot the best score I can, and see what happens. The tournament is in other people's hands rather than mine, so I'm just going to go out there and do the best. It's nice when you have good memories of a place, isn't it? I have great shots to go off and good feelings, so I can draw on that. I've enjoyed battling with the golf course so far this week and looking forward to another shot at it."

US Open contenders including Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark watch Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy faced difficulty on the back nine and slipped away from contention. Four bogeys after the turn led to a third-round 73, leaving McIlroy at three-over-par and tied for sixth. That position still keeps McIlroy within sight of the leaders, although a strong surge would be required during the final round.

Clark admitted mixed feelings about the size of the lead, even with six strokes in hand over the field.

"If I'm being honest, I feel like my lead should be a little more," Clark told Sky Sports. "I'm frustrated about the 18th [bogey] and the bogey on the 15th. If you told me at the beginning of the week I'd be taking a six-shot lead heading into Sunday, I would obviously take it."

As June 21, 2026 approaches, Clark controls the leaderboard, yet Scheffler’s position in the final group keeps pressure on the defending champion. With Grillo, Fleetwood, McIlroy and others still within range, the last round at Shinnecock Hills offers several possible moves, even though the margin currently rests with Clark.