Courtesy: U.S. Open Championship
Wyndham Clark US Open final round lead looks nearly insurmountable
The Wyndham Clark US Open final round story heading into Sunday at Shinnecock Hills centers entirely on one number: six shots. Clark posted an even-par 70 in Saturday’s third round, a day when only two players in the entire field managed to shoot under par. Moreover, that steady performance followed a sensational opening two days in which Clark set the 36-hole US Open course record by reaching 7-under at the midway point. Furthermore, no player in the field has managed to threaten his lead at any point through three rounds.
Clark will tee off in the final pairing alongside Scottie Scheffler, who carded a 1-under 69 in round three. Moreover, Scheffler would complete the career grand slam with a victory on Sunday, adding significant storyline weight to the final round even with Clark’s commanding advantage. Additionally, Scheffler turns 30 years old on Sunday, giving the round an additional personal milestone regardless of the outcome. Consequently, the final pairing carries major stakes for both players even though only one of them currently holds realistic title contention.
What a win would mean for Wyndham Clark’s career
A victory on Sunday would give Wyndham Clark his second major championship. He won his first US Open title in 2023 in Los Angeles, establishing himself as one of the sport’s rising stars. Moreover, Clark has been on an excellent run of form heading into this championship. He won The CJ Cup last month for his fourth career PGA Tour victory. Furthermore, he has not finished outside the top 15 in any tournament since that win, reflecting a level of consistency that has made him one of the most dangerous players in the game heading into this major.
The 32-year-old’s dominant first two rounds set the tone for the entire championship. Reaching 7-under through 36 holes broke the US Open’s 36-hole scoring record at Shinnecock Hills, a course widely regarded as one of the most demanding tests in major championship golf. Moreover, holding that kind of form through a difficult third round, even with a more modest even-par score, demonstrated that Clark’s lead was built on genuine command of the golf course rather than a hot start that might fade. Consequently, his position heading into Sunday reflects sustained excellence rather than a fortunate run.
Notable Sunday tee times and how to watch
Sunday’s final round at Shinnecock Hills features a deep and competitive field even with Clark’s commanding lead. Here are the notable tee times for Sunday, all listed in Eastern Time:
- 1:35 p.m. — Matt Fitzpatrick and Collin Morikawa
- 1:46 p.m. — Tommy Fleetwood and Xander Schauffele
- 1:57 p.m. — Sam Burns and Keith Mitchell
- 2:08 p.m. — Emiliano Grillo and Sam Stevens
- 2:19 p.m. — Tom Kim and Sahith Theegala
- 2:30 p.m. — Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark
Moreover, the final round broadcast splits across two networks. USA Network carries early coverage from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. Furthermore, NBC and Peacock take over for the remainder of the round from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET. Consequently, golf fans have multiple ways to follow the action throughout the entire day.
Betting odds reflect Clark’s overwhelming favorite status
Sportsbooks have priced Sunday’s final round almost entirely around Wyndham Clark’s lead. According to BetMGM, Clark enters as a heavy betting favorite at minus-300 odds. Moreover, Scottie Scheffler sits as the next closest contender at plus-600 despite trailing by six full shots. Furthermore, Xander Schauffele and Sahith Theegala both sit at plus-2800, while Tom Kim rounds out the notable contenders at plus-3000. Consequently, the betting market reflects what the leaderboard already suggests: Clark’s six-shot cushion makes him an overwhelming favorite to close out the championship.
The USGA is also offering a record purse for this year’s championship. The total prize fund at Shinnecock Hills reaches $22.5 million, the largest in US Open history. Moreover, that record purse adds financial stakes to what is already one of the most anticipated final rounds of the year. Additionally, Shinnecock Hills has a well-earned reputation for producing dramatic final-round collapses and unexpected turns, meaning even a six-shot lead carries some risk on a course this demanding. Consequently, while Clark remains the overwhelming favorite, golf fans know that anything can happen across 18 final holes at a major championship.
Source: Yahoo
