Shinnecock Hills tests the best
America’s Wyndham Clark, who won the 2023 US Open, played a really solid level par third round in the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, Southampton, New York (18-21 June) to continue his lead in the tournament by a whopping six strokes. His rounds of 64, 69 and 70 have left the World Number One, Scottie Scheffler, Sahith Theegala, Sam Stevens and Tom Kim trailing behind him on a score of 209.
Clark played with England’s Matt Fitzpatrick on day three with a lead of four. Both players bogeyed the first hole leaving Clark just two ahead of the field. Now American Sam Stevens was in second spot on 4-under.
Meanwhile Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy had his putting shoes on as he made three birdies on the trot at the 5th, 6th and 7th. Could the Masters Champion also triumph here at Shinnecock Hills?
Disastrous start for Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick, who won the 2022 US Open, had a disastrous start after making bogeys at the first three holes, the 8th and the 18th. The Englishman had just one birdie at the 10th which left him at 4-over for the day and 1-over for the tournament and a share of 10th place.
American Justin Thomas also suffered a few poor holes. He began bogey, bogey, bogey, par before making a much-welcome eagle at the 5th hole. Alas, a bogey and double-bogey on the back nine saw him card a 75.
Talking about poor starts, Scottie Scheffler struggled too. The 29-year old American and multi-Major winner began with two bogeys and waited until the 10th hole for his first birdie. And then, with a sigh of relief, he birdied the 14th, where he chipped in the hole from off the green. He also birdied the 15th and 16th before a disappointing bogey at the 175-yard par-3 17th. However, all-in all, Scheffler’s efforts earned him a well-deserved share of second place on 1-under par.
The Saturday in a tournament is always referred to as ‘moving day’. And normally we are referring to the mass of players who relax and let the putter stroke the putts into the hole and soar-up the leaderboard. But no, Saturday at Shinnecock Hills was more about moving down the leaderboard.
Alas, 32-year old Wyndham Clark made four bogeys on day three but delighted in making two birdies and a wonderful eagle at the par-5 16th where he had made bogey the day before. His birdie at the 5th saw him get back to 7-under where he finished in glorious fashion at the end of the day. Yes, Mr Clark is looking pretty hot for the final round today. So too are Scheffler, Sahith Theegala, Tom Kim (Korea) and Sam Stevens. And don’t forget about the tremendous play from American amateur Ryder Cowan who carded a 72 on Saturday to tie for 13th.
Sixth US Open at Shinnecock Hills
This year’s US Open is the sixth edition to be held at Shinnecocks Hill Golf Club. In previous tournaments James Foulis (1896), Raymond Floyd (1986), Corey Pavin (1995), Retief Goosen (2004) and Brooks Koepka (2018) have lifted the covetted trophy. Can Wyndham Clark win the US Open this year after leading from day one? Or will Official World Number One, Scottie Scheffler, who is celebrating his 30th birthday today, produce some of his mysterious magic?
With a whole bunch of guys chasing Wyndham Clark, the 34th ranked player in the world, will the winner of the 2023 US Open hold his nerve? The 32-year old from Denver has a whopping six-stroke advantage. Well, I guess that we shall just have to wait and see.
Indeed, there is great excitement at Shinnecock Hills, Southampton, New York where the final day of the 2026 US Open prepares for play. Enjoy the golf!
Wendy Hoad
Editor
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: American Wyndham Clark has an amazing six-stroke advantage on the field in the 126th US Open. BELOW (l-r): Matt Fitzpatrick and Wyndham Clark. MINIS (l-r): Rory McIlroy, Sam Stevens, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.