Scheffler makes move but US Open is Clark’s to lose
Wyndham Clark Holds Commanding Lead as Scottie Scheffler Remains in the Hunt for US Open Victory
Scheffler makes move but US Open - In a dramatic third round at the US Open, Wyndham Clark solidified his position as the tournament’s frontrunner, extending his lead to six strokes with a resilient performance at Shinnecock Hills. The American golfer, 32, showcased his composure under pressure, navigating the challenging back nine without losing momentum. His ability to remain steady in the face of fierce competition has positioned him as the clear favorite to claim a second major title, a feat that would make him the first player to achieve a wire-to-wire victory since Martin Kaymer’s triumph in 2014.
Leaderboard Snapshot and Key Contenders
Following the third round, the leaderboard featured a stark contrast in performance. Clark’s level-par 70 secured his place at -7, while a trio of players including Scottie Scheffler (US), Sahith Theegala (US), and Tom Kim (Kor) hovered at -1. Sam Stevens (US) also joined them at the same score, creating a tightly contested field. However, Clark’s six-stroke advantage over Scheffler has made the competition for the title appear more manageable, despite the latter’s reputation as one of the game’s most formidable talents.
The standout figures on the leaderboard were those who managed to stay within striking distance. Among them, Xander Schauffele (US) remained at level par, while Tommy Fleetwood (Eng), Collin Morikawa (US), and Matt Fitzpatrick (Eng) were one over. A further two players, including Andy Fitzpatrick (Eng) and Rory McIlroy (NI), were two strokes back, and Jordan Rose (Eng) and Tyrone Hatton (Eng) trailed at four under. The tournament’s difficulty was evident, with only five players remaining under par at the conclusion of the round, a stark reduction from the ten who began the day in that position.
Clark’s Mastery and Scheffler’s Persistent Threat
Clark’s third round was a masterclass in adaptability and recovery, particularly on the back nine where the course’s hazards were at their peak. His eagle on the par-five 16th, a rare feat this week, highlighted his strategic brilliance, while several calculated saves from tricky situations underscored his consistency. These moments, combined with his unshakable focus, have allowed him to build a substantial cushion over the field. Yet, the presence of Scheffler, who is currently at -1, has introduced an element of uncertainty. The Texan’s track record as a top-tier performer suggests he remains a significant threat, especially given his history of overcoming deficits in major tournaments.
“I feel good. I have got more and more comfortable every time I have got in these positions,” said Clark. “Scottie is the best player in the world, and he's probably going to play really good. He always does, but it's nice to have a six-shot lead on him. I'm just going to keep approaching it the same way. If I go through my process and hit the shots I know I can hit, I like my chances.”
While Clark’s lead appears formidable, the 2024 US Open has proven that momentum can shift unpredictably. Scheffler, the world number one, has already demonstrated his capacity to claw back from disadvantage, most notably with a five-stroke comeback at the Players Championship earlier this year. His performance in the third round, a one-under 69, has reinvigorated his case as a contender, even as the weather conditions at Shinnecock Hills posed additional challenges.
The US Open’s Evolution and a Historic Opportunity
As the tournament progresses, the historical context of Clark’s lead adds intrigue. The US Open has seen only one instance in its storied history where a six-stroke deficit has been overturned in the final round—a moment when Greg Norman’s collapse at the 1996 Masters allowed Nick Faldo to clinch his third title. This rarity underscores the pressure on Clark to maintain his composure, though his recent confidence and technique suggest he is well-prepared for the final stretch.
Scheffler, meanwhile, is eyeing a historic milestone. On Sunday, he will celebrate his 30th birthday, an occasion that could serve as a catalyst for a breakthrough. A fifth major title would place him in elite company, joining the ranks of Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy as players who have completed a career Grand Slam. For Scheffler, the path to glory is not without hurdles, as the third round’s high scoring average of 73.61—remarkably the highest of the championship—has tested even the most seasoned competitors.
“It would be special,” said Scheffler. “This tournament means so much to me. All I can do is go out there and try and execute. I have an opportunity to go out there and have a great round and give myself a chance to win the tournament. We've been battling hard for a few days and I did a good job of keeping myself in the tournament. I'll need a really nice round if I'm going to try and catch Wyndham.”
The conditions on Saturday added an extra layer of complexity, with gusting winds reaching 40mph and transforming the greens into treacherous targets. These factors made scoring under par an arduous task, with only one other player—Emiliano Grillo of Argentina—managing to break the 70 barrier. The delayed first round on Friday had left Scheffler at joint 49th after a two-over 72, but his resilience in the final two days has kept him within striking distance.
Final Round Dynamics and the Road Ahead
As the tournament moves into its final phase, the stage is set for a high-stakes showdown between Clark and Scheffler. The pair will share the final pairing, a situation that amplifies the tension as they vie for the title. Clark’s ability to perform under pressure, as evidenced by his third-round stability, will be critical, but Scheffler’s experience in high-pressure moments and his potential to surge in the closing stages make him a dark horse.
The US Open, traditionally known for its unpredictable nature, has seen ten players start the third round under par. By the time the final round begins, however, only five remain in that category, a testament to the course’s unforgiving demands. The scoring average for the day was 73.61, the highest of the tournament, which means that the final round will require near-perfect execution from the contenders. The first birdie of the day was recorded after an hour and 50 minutes, a sign of the difficulty players faced in finding rhythm on the course.
With the tournament scheduled for June 18-21 at Shinnecock Hills, New York, the final round promises to be a test of mental and physical fortitude. Clark’s six-stroke lead offers a buffer, but the field’s hunger for victory ensures that the competition will be fierce. For the golfing world, the US Open continues to deliver moments of suspense, drama, and the occasional underdog story, all of which will play out in the final 18 holes.
As the sun sets on Saturday’s action, the narrative of the 2024 US Open remains centered on Clark’s ability to maintain his edge and Scheffler’s determination to close the gap. Whether the course favors the steady hands of a veteran or the explosive potential of a rising star, the final day will undoubtedly decide who etches their name into the annals of golf history.