Wyndham Clark Holds Six-Shot Lead Heading into Final Round of US Open

Wyndham Clark entered Sunday’s final round of the U.S. Open with a six-shot advantage after posting an even-par 70 on Saturday, extending his lead from a four-shot margin earlier in the day. The 32-year-old shot a solid round that included a birdie on the par-five fifth and an eagle on the 16th, while repeatedly saving pars from short distances.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler posted the day’s best round among the leaders, a one-under 69, keeping him in second place at one under par. Scheffler, who is also celebrating his 30th birthday, said, > “I’d rather be leading, but I have an opportunity to go out there and have a great round and give myself a chance to win the tournament.”

Other contenders included Sam Stevens, Tom Kim and Sahith Theegala, who were tied for second at one under, and former champion Matt Fitzpatrick, who fell back after a 74. Rory McIlroy, after a promising start, finished with a three-over 73 and did not speak to reporters.

Clark, who set a 36-hole scoring record at Shinnecock Hills earlier in the week, noted, > “That’s what you have to make to win US Opens. You’re not going to have too many birdie putts … you’ve got to make those kind of five- to 12-footers.” He added, > “Scottie is the best player in the world, and he’s going to play probably really good. He always does, but it’s nice to have a six-shot lead on him.”

The tournament announced a record-equalling $22.5 million purse, with the winner set to receive $4.5 million.