Article #57418

• Gritty display leaves American in complete control

• Scheffler closest threat after McIlroy charge fades

Wyndham Clark’s lead shrank, then grew, then all but swallowed the tournament whole. The 2023 US Open champion watched a four-shot advantage get cut in half on Saturday while still on the first hole, only to respond with a masterclass in survival golf as Shinnecock Hills finally delivered the bruising examination players had anticipated all week.

By day’s end, Clark had stretched his lead to a yawning six shots despite shooting an even-par 70. Scottie Scheffler’s one-under 69 was enough to emerge as the closest pursuer, but the world No 1 will begin Sunday’s final round needing something extraordinary to prevent Clark from capturing America’s national championship for a second time in four years.