126th US Open: Clark on the verge of second US Open title, extends lead to 6 shots through 54 holes

Wyndham Clark / USGA

Wyndham Clark is rewriting Shinnecock Hills history.

The 2023 champion fired an even-par 70 Saturday to extend his lead to six strokes, putting him on the doorstep of becoming the first wire-to-wire U.S. Open winner since Martin Kaymer at Pinehurst in 2014. Clark was 7-for-9 in scrambling — including clutch par saves on six holes — and added the week's only eagle on the par-5 16th with a 275-yard 3-wood to set up a 4-foot putt.

"That's what you have to make to win U.S. Opens," Clark said of his par-saving putts. "You're not going to have too many birdie putts, and when you do miss, it's really hard to hit a gimme."

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is one of his closest pursuers at 1-under 209 after a gutsy 69 that included a back-nine 32, overcoming a bogey-bogey start. Sahith Theegala, Tom Kim and Sam Stevens also sit at 209.

Emiliano Grillo posted the round of the day — a 3-under 67 — to join Xander Schauffele, Keith Mitchell and Sam Burns in a tie for sixth at even-par 210.

The third-round scoring average of 73.61 was the highest of the championship. Only four players finished the day in red figures.

Clark and Scheffler will tee off Sunday at 2:30 p.m (7.30pm BST) in the final pairing.

Courtesy Julia Pine / USGA