SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. (AP) — Wyndham Clark proved to be even tougher than Shinnecock Hills in the U.S. Open with four pivotal par saves in a five-hole stretch and a majestic 3-wood to 4 feet that set up the only eagle all week on the par-5 16th hole. Each shot stretched his lead over Scottie Scheffler and everyone else.
All the while, Clark couldn’t help but notice thousands of fans leaving the course Saturday evening and the grandstands no longer full.
Perhaps they were trying to catch the train. Or maybe they sensed this U.S. Open was over.
Even with a bogey on the final hole that gave Clark an even-par 70, he left Shinnecock Hills with a six-shot lead going into Sunday.
Riding shotgun with him will be Scheffler, who finally got on track by making three straight birdies, shooting 32 on the back nine and at least keeping alive hope of a career Grand Slam.
But it’s a big mountain to climb.
No one has ever lost more than a five-shot lead in 125 previous editions of the U.S. Open. Greg Norman in the 1996 Masters is the only player to lose a six-shot lead in any major.
“It’s all in Wyndham’s hands, really,” said Xander Schauffele, who faded with a pair of double bogeys on the back nine. “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 tournaments. That’s how I think it’s going to pan out.”
It was an astonishing performance, starting with three par saves around the turn as Scheffler was sending the gallery into a frenzy with his timely run that led to a 69. It was one of only two rounds under par as Shinnecock — even without the raging wind from the morning — showed some bite.
But it was subdued at the end.
“It was kind of unfortunate that we’re finishing in the dark and people weren’t really out there,” Clark said, alluding to the decision for the leaders to tee off at 3:45 p.m. “Because there were some obviously key, big moments, and it did kind of get a little flat. … ”I’m still excited to be where I’m at.”
He was at 7-under 203, the lowest 54-hole score ever at Shinnecock Hills.
Clark now has one more round to add another U.S. Open title to the one he captured at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023. At his side will be Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world, trying to turn Sunday into a most magical day.
At stake for Scheffler is a chance — a long shot at that — to get the final leg of the career Grand Slam — on Father’s Day, which also happens to be his 30th birthday.
“I think it’s appropriate to understand what’s at stake,” Scheffler said, aware as anyone of what’s in front of him. “We want to be in these positions. This is why we practice and play, to have the opportunity to win golf tournaments, and that’s what tomorrow is.”
Scheffler has won all four of his majors from in front. Now he’s chasing on a course that demands precision and a lot of patience. And the player he’s chasing has expanded his lead each day — two shots on Thursday, four shots on Friday and now at six shots.
Clark, in position to be the first wire-to-wire U.S. Open champion in 12 years, still doesn’t think he has played his best golf.
