Wyndham Clark leads US Open 2026 with six-shot advantage at Shinnecock Hills
Consensus Summary
Wyndham Clark has established a commanding six-shot lead heading into the final round of the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills, New York, after rounds of 64, 69, and 70. His total of 7-under-par sets a 36-hole scoring record for the tournament at this venue, and his eagle on the 16th hole in the third round effectively closed the door on the field. Scottie Scheffler, tied for second at 1-under, remains the closest challenger, but Clark’s lead is historically large and suggests a strong chance of victory. The tournament has been marked by challenging conditions, including windy weather and firm greens, which have tested even the top players. Rory McIlroy, a pre-tournament favorite, struggled in the third round with a 73, while others like Collin Morikawa and Sam Stevens remain in contention. The cut was set at 4-over, with 72 players advancing to the weekend. Clark’s redemption arc follows a turbulent 2025, including a controversial incident at Oakmont, and a win would mark his second US Open title in three years.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Wyndham Clark holds a six-shot lead going into the final round of the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills, New York.
- Clark finished the third round with an even-par 70, bringing his total to 7-under-par for the tournament.
- Scottie Scheffler is in a four-way tie for second place at 1-under-par, needing a near-perfect final round to challenge Clark.
- The US Open 2026 is being held at Shinnecock Hills, a historic and challenging course known for its windy conditions.
- Clark set the 36-hole scoring record for a US Open at Shinnecock with a total of 7-under-par after rounds of 64 and 69.
- The cut was set at 4-over-par, with 67 professionals and 5 amateurs advancing to the weekend.
- Clark’s eagle on the 16th hole in the third round was a key moment, stretching his lead to six shots.
- Rory McIlroy, the Masters champion, struggled in the third round with a 73, finishing at even-par and out of contention.
- The USGA watered and misted greens during the opening two rounds to manage the course’s firmness and speed.
- Wyndham Clark is aiming to win his second US Open title in three years (first in 2023).
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Clark’s four-shot lead after the first round was the largest since Tommy Armour in 1933.
- The US Open purse is a record $22.5 million, with the winner receiving $4.5 million.
- Clark’s 2023 US Open win and subsequent controversy at Oakmont involved damaging a locker and throwing a club at the PGA Championship.
- Clark’s 36-hole total of 7-under-par broke the previous record of 6-under set by Phil Mickelson and Shigeki Maruyama in 2004.
- Collin Morikawa overcame a nine-shot deficit to reach two-under after a second-round 65, matching the largest first-round deficit ever overcome by a US Open champion.
- Joaquin Niemann made the cut after a second-round 65, despite a two-shot penalty and an opening-round 11.
- Bryson DeChambeau failed to make the cut for the first time in three consecutive majors, finishing at 8-over-par.
- Dustin Johnson crashed out after a quadruple-bogey 8 on the 15th hole in the second round.
- The USGA took the rare step of watering and misting greens during the opening two rounds to prevent them from drying out and becoming excessively quick.
- Clark called his bogey on the eighth hole 'the worst shot of my life'.
- No Australians made the cut for the first time since 1959.
- Clark’s eagle on the 16th hole was described as 'the finest shot of the week'.
- Clark’s six-shot lead is the third-largest 54-hole lead held by a US Open leader since World War II.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian states Clark’s four-shot lead after the first round was the largest since Tommy Armour in 1933, while ABC does not mention this specific historical comparison.
- The Guardian mentions Clark’s 36-hole total of 7-under-par broke the previous record of 6-under set by Phil Mickelson and Shigeki Maruyama in 2004, but ABC does not reference this record.
- The Guardian notes that the USGA watered and misted greens during the opening two rounds, while ABC does not explicitly mention this detail.
Source Articles
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