Stewart Cink seized a one-stroke lead at the 2026 U. S.
Senior Open Championship on Saturday, July 4, after a bogey-free, 6-under-par 64 in the third round at Scioto Country Club in Columbus, Ohio.
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Cink reached a 9-under-par total to surpass defending champion Padraig Harrington, who dropped to second place at 8 under par.
The tournament leadership shifted as Cink recorded three birdies and an eagle on the par-5 sixth hole, marking the lowest round of the week at the difficult Scioto course.
Inclement weather prompted organizers to move up Saturday's tee times, and storm forecasts are expected to alter playing conditions ahead of the final round broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
Cink expressed readiness for the impending weather challenges and the final day of competition.
"We got a storm that's pretty close right now, and if that storm comes over here and dumps a half an inch of rain on this golf course it's going to be a completely different test," said Cink.
Cink noted that adapting to the tournament conditions is critical to his mindset on the course.
"I don't think it would be smart to formulate any kind of a score plan right now," said Cink.
"The biggest thing is just control what I can control, maintain that commitment level and see if I can just execute as cleanly and as decisively as possible tomorrow."
The 2009 Open Championship winner is aiming for his third consecutive senior major victory and his second title on the PGA Tour Champions.
