The weekend at Shinnecock Hills is underway, bringing us closer to crowning the sixth U.S. Open champion at this venue. With the final pair in this third round just about 45 minutes away, we focus on the experienced competitors, including Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion at The Country Club. Fitzpatrick has been on a fantastic run recently with three wins and a runner-up finish just last week in Canada, though he currently trails Wyndham Clark by four shots. Clark, the winner at the Los Angeles Country Club the year after Fitzpatrick’s victory, holds an impressive lead, having posted rounds of 64 and 69 for a seven-under total through two rounds—the lowest 36-hole total in the history of U.S. Opens at Shinnecock.
Players are facing challenging conditions on the course. On the fifth hole, we see some aggressive play as a competitor finally sinks a putt, marking his first eagle in a U.S. Open since 2023. Hole locations remain extremely difficult, often positioned on the highest, most exposed parts of the greens, requiring precise distance control and delicate touch. Throughout the round, we’ve watched various players struggle with the pace of the greens, particularly on steep banks, and deal with shifting winds that affect club selection.
Scottie Scheffler has been a notable figure today, showing emotion after a bogey-bogey start but fighting back into contention with birdies and impressive recoveries, including a bounce-back at the 10th and a dramatic approach shot that sparked a roar from the crowd. Meanwhile, other contenders like Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick have had their fair share of stumbles, with Fitzpatrick struggling significantly with his driver, leading to poor angles and difficult positions off the fairway.
Wyndham Clark continues to display sensational touch and composure, extending his lead at various points throughout the afternoon. Even when faced with deep bunkers or treacherous downslopes, he has managed to scramble effectively, including a massive eagle that pushed his lead to seven strokes at one point. The broadcast highlights the mental grind of a U.S. Open, emphasizing the patience required as players navigate these diabolical green complexes.
As the day concludes, Wyndham Clark maintains a commanding six-stroke lead over a group of four other players. Statistically, holding a 54-hole lead of six strokes or more in a major championship is a dominant position, with only one player in history—Greg Norman in 1996—failing to convert such a lead into a victory. All eyes now turn to Sunday’s final round at Shinnecock Hills, where Clark will aim to add another major championship trophy to his resume.
