Scheffler Trails Clark by 6 Shots, Chasing Career Grand Slam at U.S. Open

Q: Will the USGA risk another Shinnecock controversy with its final round course setup?

Yes — there is a real risk, but it appears to be a calculated one rather than a reckless repeat of 2004 or 2018. Saturday showed how narrow the margin is at Shinnecock. The USGA increased green speeds by about a half-foot, winds gusted above 30 mph, and only Emiliano Grillo and Scottie Scheffler broke par. That is exactly the kind of combination that has triggered past criticism at this course, where firm, exposed greens can quickly edge toward unplayable. At the same time, the USGA has spent the week signaling that it is trying to avoid another setup fiasco. Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer said the philosophy was to “ease into” the speeds, widen fairways compared with 2018, and “let Shinnecock be Shinnecock” rather than force a target score. Officials have also used more moisture and a more gradual progression to keep the course from getting away from them. The concern is that the USGA also appears committed to its preset plan and has already shown a willingness to tighten conditions when scoring looks too low. If Sunday brings another windy, dry afternoon and the greens are pushed even slightly faster, Shinnecock’s natural severity could make setup the story again. So the likely answer is that the USGA will try hard to avoid controversy, but by sticking with a firm-and-fast final-round test at this venue, it is still operating close to the edge. At Shinnecock, weather can turn a sound plan into a controversy very quickly.

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 21

Scottie Scheffler enters Sunday tied for second at 1 under, six shots behind Wyndham Clark in the final group at Shinnecock Hills.
Three straight back-nine birdies pulled Scheffler back into contention after opening with two bogeys, including a chip-in on the 14th and a birdie on the par-5 16th after reaching from 274 yards.
Missed chances kept the gap wide: Scheffler failed to convert a 7-foot par save on 17 and a 4-foot birdie putt on 18 late Saturday.
A victory would make Scheffler only the seventh golfer to complete the career Grand Slam, on his 30th birthday and Father's Day.
History favors Clark: 20 of 21 players who led a major by six shots or more entering the final round went on to win.