Clark keeps hot pace, takes 6-shot lead into U.S. Open final round - ESPN

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Not even Shinnecock Hills and its strongest test of the week in the U.S. Open could match the toughness of Wyndham Clark on Saturday.

Clark had a collection of par saves around the turn as Scottie Scheffler was making a move and poured it on with a 3-wood to 4 feet for eagle on the par-5 16th, leading to an even-par 70 that gave him a six-shot lead going into the final round.

Riding shotgun with him will be Scheffler, who finally got on track by making three straight birdies, shooting 32 on the back nine and at least keeping alive hope of a career Grand Slam.

But it's a big mountain to climb.

No one has ever lost more than a five-shot lead in 125 previous editions of golf's toughest test. Greg Norman in the 1996 Masters is the only player to lose a six-shot lead in any major.

«It's all in Wyndham's hands, really,» said Xander Schauffele, who faded with a pair of double bogeys on the back nine. «If he plays a really solid round of golf tomorrow — if he shoots even par or 1 over or 2 over — he's going to win the golf tournaments. That's how I think it's going to pan out.»

Shinnecock Hills did its part, even after the strongest wind subsided. Only two players managed to break par in the third round: Emiliano Grillo in 30 mph wind before the leaders teed off, and Scheffler late in the afternoon with a 69.

Clark nearly joined them. After all his great saves, he missed a 5-foot par putt on the final hole and finished at 7-under 203, the lowest 54-hole score ever at Shinnecock Hills.

«I'm pretty satisfied with 70,» Clark said, though he sure didn't sound like it at times.

From thick rough right of the 18th fairway, his wedge went right and some 60 feet away from the pin.

«Gosh, I've hit some terrible shots