Matt Fitzpatrick Shoots 68 to Lead US Open by 1 as Wyndham Clark Chases

Q: Can Wyndham Clark defy Shinnecock's history of toppling leaders to claim his second U.S. Open?

Yes — Clark can do it, but Shinnecock Hills remains the biggest threat, not the field. He has the profile to win a second U.S. Open. Clark arrived in strong form, opened with a course-record-tying 64, and has already shown he can handle major pressure by winning the 2023 U.S. Open. His recent PGA Tour results, including a victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, suggest his game and confidence are back. Even with some erratic driving, his approach play and putting have kept him in control. The warning signs are clear, though. Shinnecock has a long history of punishing leaders, and 36-hole advantages there have repeatedly disappeared. The course is expected to get firmer and faster, with gusts above 30 mph, exactly the kind of conditions that can turn a comfortable lead into a survival test. Only three players have finished under par in the previous five U.S. Opens at Shinnecock, which shows how quickly scoring can unravel. Clark’s biggest vulnerability is accuracy off the tee and the mental strain that follows mistakes. He got away with some wayward drives, and that margin for error usually shrinks on Sunday at Shinnecock. Against a closer like Matt Fitzpatrick — steady, disciplined, and already a U.S. Open champion — any lapse could be costly. So Clark is capable of defying the course’s history, but only if he drives it better and stays patient. If he keeps the ball in play and avoids compounding mistakes, he has a real chance to become a two-time champion.

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 20

Matt Fitzpatrick climbed into the US Open lead after a third-round 68, setting up a final-round duel with Wyndham Clark.
Clark had been one shot behind Rickie Fowler after two rounds, but Fitzpatrick surged from off the pace to move in front on Saturday.
The final pairing pits the last two U.S. Open champions against each other — Fitzpatrick won at Brookline in 2022 and Clark followed at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023.
Clark has looked dominant for much of the week, though some errant drives brought lucky breaks in the third round, while Fitzpatrick's steadier play included 10 straight pars to start Saturday.