Gritty display leaves American in complete control
Scheffler closest threat after McIlroy charge fades
Wyndham Clark’s lead shrank, then grew, then all but swallowed the tournament whole. The 2023 US Open champion watched a four-shot advantage get cut in half on Saturday while still on the first hole, only to respond with a masterclass in survival golf as Shinnecock Hills finally delivered the bruising examination players had anticipated all week.
By day’s end, Clark had stretched his lead to a yawning six shots despite shooting an even-par 70. Scottie Scheffler’s one-under 69 was enough to emerge as the closest pursuer, but the world No 1 will begin Sunday’s final round needing something extraordinary to prevent Clark from capturing America’s national championship for a second time in four years.