Wyndham Clark took a commanding six-stroke lead into the final round of the US Open after shooting an even-par 70 on Saturday at Shinnecock Hills.
The 2023 champion sits at seven under par, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is his closest challenger at one under after a 69.
Clark's lead briefly shrank to two shots on the first hole when he made bogey and Sam Stevens birdied.
But the 32-year-old American recovered with a birdie on the par-five fifth and several key par saves.
“That’s what you have to make to win US Opens,” Clark said.
“You’re not going to have too many birdie putts … you’ve got to make those kind of five- to 12-footers.”
He extended his advantage on the par-five 16th, hitting a 275-yard approach to within five feet for the first eagle of the week at that hole.
Winds near 40 mph hardened the Poa annua greens, making scoring difficult. Only five of the first ten players who started under par remained in red figures.
Rory McIlroy began with three straight birdies but faded to a 73 after back-nine bogeys.
Scheffler recovered from consecutive opening bogeys, highlighted by a 65-foot chip-in birdie on the 14th and a birdie on the 15th.
Sunday is his 30th birthday and Father's Day, and he can complete the career grand slam with a win.
“I’d rather be leading,” Scheffler said.
“But I have an opportunity to go out there and have a great round and give myself a chance to win the tournament.”
Sam Stevens, Tom Kim, and Sahith Theegala are tied with Scheffler at one under. Matt Fitzpatrick fell back with a 74.
Emiliano Grillo shot the low round of the day, a 67, joining Xander Schauffele and Sam Burns at even par.
Clark holds the third-largest 54-hole lead in US Open history since World War II.
“Scottie is the best player in the world, and he’s going to play probably really good. He always does,” Clark said.
“But it’s nice to have a six-shot lead on him.”
He added: “I’m not necessarily thinking about my lead or anything.
If I go out and execute and go through my process and hit the shots I know I can hit, I like my chances.”
The tournament purse is a record-tying $22.5 million, with the winner receiving $4.5 million.
