SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Wyndham Clark proved to be even tougher than Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in the third round of the U.S. Open, producing four pivotal par saves in a five-hole stretch and a majestic 3-wood shot to four feet that set up the only eagle all week on the par-5 16th.
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 back to the city. Or maybe they sensed this U.S. Open was over.
Even with a bogey on the final hole that gave Clark a par round of 70, he left Shinnecock Hills with a six-shot lead going into the final round.
Riding shotgun with him in the final group 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. It’s a big mountain to climb, though — even for the player who has been No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking for three years running.