Scottie Scheffler shoots 69 to continue steady climb up the U.S. Open leaderboard
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 07: Scottie Scheffler of United States of America looks on at the 11th hole during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 07, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 07 PGA, Golf Herren Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon5732603070383
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 07: Scottie Scheffler of United States of America looks on at the 11th hole during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard 2026 at Arnold Palmer Bay Hill Golf Course on March 07, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire GOLF: MAR 07 PGA, Golf Herren Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon5732603070383
Scottie Scheffler fired a 1-under 69 in the third round of the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club to put himself into a tie for second place heading into Sunday's final round.
Despite opening his Saturday round with back-to-back bogeys, the world no. 1 rebounded on the back nine. He carded four bogeys, including three consecutive birdies on holes 14 through 16.
While a bogey on the 17th and a missed birdie putt from close distance on the 18th slightly stalled his momentum, he was one of only two players in the entire field to card an under-par score on an extremely difficult and windy day at Shinnecock Hills on Saturday.
Scheffler bounced back from an opening-round 72 to post a two-under 68 on Friday. He was T49 and T11 after the first and second rounds. But now, after the third round, he's T2 and six shots away from Wyndham Clark and a career Grand Slam.
“We’ve been battling hard for a few days, and I did a good job of keeping myself in the tournament,” Scheffler said. “It was nice to steal a couple there on the back nine when I really needed them as the tournament was kind of slipping away from me.”
Scheffler’s last victory on the PGA Tour came back in January, at The American Express. And his last major victory was the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
This season, he came so close at the Masters, finishing solo second, just one shot behind Rory McIlroy. At the PGA Championship, he finished tied for 14th. But now, he had a chance to win the major championship.
“I’ve worked really hard for a long time to have a chance to win golf tournaments and to win major championships,” Scheffler said. “I think understanding the moment and giving it your best shot is all part of the process.”
Scottie Scheffler is chasing an eventful Grand Slam at Shinnecock Hills
Sunday is not just any other final round for Scottie Scheffler. It is Scheffler’s 30th birthday. It is also Father’s Day. And it might be the day he completes the career Grand Slam.
Only two players have won the U.S. Open after starting the final round six shots or more behind: Arnold Palmer in 1960 and Johnny Miller in 1973.
Palmer trailed by seven strokes at Cherry Hills and shot a final-round 65 to win his only U.S. Open. Miller came from six back at Oakmont and shot a famous 63, one of the greatest rounds in major championship history.
In other majors, even bigger comebacks have happened. But in the U.S. Open, there is a rarity. Scottie Scheffler has a chance to join this company.
“We want to be in these positions,” Scheffler said. “This is why we practise and play, to have the opportunity to win golf tournaments, and that’s what tomorrow is. I have an opportunity to go out there and have a great round and give myself a chance to win the tournament.”
Will Scottie Scheffler be able to win on Sunday at Shinnecock Hills? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Written by
Md Saife Fida
Edited by
Ankita Yadav