Wyndham Clark of the United States continued his runaway lead on a demanding course, leaving only one final hurdle before claiming his second career major title.
Clark carded an even-par round at the third round of the U.S. Open (total prize money $22.5 million), held Friday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (par 70) in Southampton, New York, combining one eagle, two birdies and four bogeys.
With a halfway total of 7-under-par 203, Clark holds a six-shot lead over those tied for second (1-under-par). Shinnecock Hills, the venue for this tournament, is notorious for its difficulty, and with strong winds blowing during the event, most players have been unable to avoid struggling. But Clark, after shooting 64 on the first day, continued his solid play in the second and third rounds, aiming to reclaim the top spot three years after his first U.S. Open victory in 2023.
Clark was 1-over through the 15th hole on the day, but captured an eagle on the 16th hole (par 5). However, he missed a 1.5-meter par putt on the 18th hole (par 4) to stand still. In U.S. Open history, no leader with a five-shot or greater lead has ever lost.
Kim Joo-hyung dropped two shots with four birdies and six bogeys but maintained his tie for second at 1-under-par total, continuing from the previous day.
Clark and Kim share the common trait of having both damaged a locker room. At last year's U.S. Open, Clark broke a locker room door after failing to make the cut, unable to contain his frustration. The incident required him to undergo anger management treatment.
Kim damaged a locker room door after losing to An Byeong-hun in a playoff on the final day of the Genesis Championship, co-sanctioned by the Korea Professional Golfers' Association (KPGA) Tour and the DP World Tour, in October 2024. Kim received a written warning from the KPGA over the incident.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is pursuing the career Grand Slam, along with Sice Sigala and Sam Stevens (both of the United States), are also tied for second with Kim. Scheffler, who turns 30 on the final day, said, "The fourth round is a very special day for me. I'll go out on the field and do my best to play the round."
Im Sung-jae and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) are tied for 17th at 3-over-par.
