Clark leads U.S. Open by six, Scheffler looms as major threat

Wyndham Clark is positioned as the overwhelming favorite to win the U.S. Open after a stellar third round at Shinnecock Hills. The American not only maintained his lead but extended it to six strokes, setting himself up to potentially become the first wire-to-wire winner since Martin Kaymer in 2014.

Clark delivered a resilient performance, carding a level-par 70 that included a spectacular eagle on the 16th hole and several crucial par saves. He expressed confidence in his game, stating, "I feel good. I have got more and more comfortable every time I have got in these positions." Despite his strong position, he acknowledged the threat posed by world number one Scottie Scheffler.

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I feel good. I have got more and more comfortable every time I have got in these positions.

Scheffler, who was joint 49th after the first round, surged back into contention with a strong showing. He sits at one under par, alongside Sahith Theegala, Tom Kim, and Sam Stevens. Scheffler's presence in the final pairing with Clark adds significant intrigue to Sunday's final round. Clark, however, remains focused on his process, noting, "Scottie is the best player in the world, and he's probably going to play really good. He always does, but it's nice to have a six-shot lead on him."

Other notable players include Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and England's Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick, who are further back. Scheffler, celebrating his 30th birthday, also has a chance to achieve a career Grand Slam, joining an elite group of golfers. The final round promises a compelling battle as Clark aims to hold off Scheffler and secure his second U.S. Open title.

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Scottie is the best player in the world, and he's probably going to play really good. He always does, but it's nice to have a six-shot lead on him.