SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — History tells us that Wyndham Clark is just hours away from becoming a two-time U.S. Open champion. In the last 100 years, 13 players have led a major by six shots or more after 54 holes, and 12 raised the trophy the next day.
But if, and that’s a big if, the 32-year-old was to let this one slip away, how might it happen? Here’s four scenarios.
A historic Scottie Sunday
Could fate play a role today? It’s Scottie Scheffler’s 30th birthday, it’s Father’s Day and the World No. 1 is one historic round from completing the career Grand Slam. An impressive back-nine charge on Saturday earned him a place in the final group on Sunday. How would Clark react if Scheffler put together a 64 or 65 alongside him. In 12 events this season, Scheffler has shot 66 or lower on Sunday five times.
Andrew Redington
“But this is Shinnecock?” I hear you say. Correct. However, let’s not forget Tommy Fleetwood’s final round here eight years ago. Also starting Sunday six shots back of the lead, the Englishman carded a record-tying 63 on Sunday. Ultimately, Brooks Koepka pipped him by a shot, but should Scheffler match Fleetwood’s round that day, it could be enough to cement his legacy in the sport.
Putts dry up
Having sent a text message to players on Friday night, informing them that the greens would be quicker the next day, there was no such text sent by the USGA Saturday. However, many believe Sunday will see greens that are faster and firmer than anything we’ve seen to this point. Conditions will be as calm as at any point all week, potentially giving the set-up crew a window to dial up the test.
Christian Petersen
Clark has been almost flawless on the greens. He has holed 47 of 53 putts inside 10 feet. However, bookend missed putts on his opening and closing holes yesterday showed that the leader is human and no one is above the challenge of Shinnecock’s greens.
For the season, Clark is outside of the top 100 players on the PGA Tour on putts inside 10 feet. Will he return to the mean today, under the most pressure, and open the door to those playing in front of him?
As Clark finished his round on Saturday, missing a short par putt on 18, there were audible cheers from the galleries at Shinnecock. Compare that reception to the one Scheffler received at the 16th green, having hit a 3-wood to 10 feet, and it’s easy to see who the crowds will most likely be rooting for. Clark batted off questions after about the tone and size of the fans, saying “it was unfortunate it got a little flat”, but with tee times moving forward by more than an hour on Sunday, it’s unlikely things will feel “flat” in his pairing with Scheffler. Clark has done a lot of work on the mental game with psychologist Julie Elion. No doubt they will have spoken about what lies ahead in today’s final round. How he handles that pressure and reception will likely decide who lifts the trophy come 7 p.m.
Cliff Hawkins
A rules incident
Could it happen? Again. I’m not suggesting Clark will throw a club and become the second player this week to receive a two-shot penalty under the new Code of Conduct policies rolled out by the majors.
Ezra Shaw
However, history has shown that the U.S. Open and rules controversies often go hand-in-hand. Will we see a ball move at address? Think Dustin Johnson at Oakmont. Will Clark attempt to get relief from fire ants? Could he move his ball removing a pebble from a Shinnecock bunker? I hope not. But stranger things have happened.
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This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
