Only one round remains at the the 2026 U.S. Open, and by the looks of the leaderboard at the 54-hole mark, we’re in for one of two scenarios: a grand coronation, or complete chaos and carnage.
Let’s break it all down. Here are five things to know for Sunday at Shinnecock.
The leader
Over the last three rounds, Wyndham Clark has not lifted his foot from the gas pedal. The 32-year-old is seven under par and has opened a six-shot lead with one round remaining at Shinnecock. Sunday’s round represents a chance to add a second U.S. Open title to the first one he claimed in 2023 at Los Angeles Country Club. A win on Sunday would also mark the apex of quite the heater for Clark, who has finished 1-3-T11 in his last three starts.
History for Scottie?
Among Clark’s closest competitors at one under par is World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. While a six-shot deficit is a daunting hill to climb on Sunday, there is significant history awaiting Scheffler if he can do it. The U.S. Open would not only mark the fifth major of Scheffler’s career, but would also complete the career grand slam, only four years after his first Masters win in 2022.
A record comeback?
Just how likely is it that someone can overtake Clark? Arnold Palmer famously came from seven shots back to claim the 1960 U.S. Open at Cherry Hills. Johnny Miller overcame a six-shot deficit in 1973 at Oakmont, thanks to a final-round 63. There are eight players currently within seven shots of Clark’s lead, two of whom have previously won a major championship: Scheffler (-1) and Xander Schauffele (E).
What about Rory?
Rory McIlroy made a spirited charge in the first half of his third round on Saturday, posting three birdies in a row on holes 5, 6 and 7. But he was sunk by a back-nine score of 40 that included five bogeys. At three over par overall and 10 shots behind Clark, it would take more than a few miraculous happenings for McIlroy to get back in the mix of this championship.
