US Open live updates: Rory McIlroy aims to chase down leaders on day three

Rory McIlroy faces an uphill battle at the 2026 US Open, starting the third day seven shots adrift of leader Wyndham Clark. McIlroy, the sole Irish challenger after Shane Lowry and others missed the cut, is at even par. Clark leads at seven-under, with a group of players tied for second at three-under.

McIlroy began his third round with a gritty par, recovering from a tee shot that went into the rough and an approach that landed in a greenside bunker. His playing partner, Maverick McNealy, is also in the field. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler, who started the day tied with McIlroy, struggled early, dropping to two-over par with consecutive bogeys.

The Shinnecock Hills course is living up to its reputation as a formidable challenge. Strong winds are buffeting the course, making scoring difficult. The USGA has also reportedly "turned up" the greens, increasing their stimp measurement, in anticipation of what is described as "characteristic US Open carnage."