5 things to know for Saturday’s third round of the 2026 U.S. Open

The second round of the 2026 U.S. Open is complete, the cut has been made, and Moving Day awaits at the year’s third major. What does Round 3 have in store?

Let’s break it all down. Here are five things to know for Saturday at Shinnecock.

The leader

Did anyone else guess that 2023 U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark would hold the 36-hole Shinnecock lead by an impressive four shots? Perhaps we should have seen this coming. Clark has been on a hot streak of late, posting a win, a solo third, and T11 in his last three starts. After signing for rounds of 64-69, the 32-year-old is seven under par overall and four shots clear of a log-jam at three under par populated by four other players.

The contenders

Who could pose the biggest threat to Clark on Moving Day? Among Clark’s closest competitors is 2022 U.S. Open champ Matt Fitzpatrick (-3), who is four shots back. Two-time major champion Xander Schauffele is also three under, while fellow two-time major winners Collin Morikawa (-2) and Justin Thomas (-1) are also in the mix.

What about Scottie and Rory?

After firing a second-round 68 on Friday, the World No. 1 is even par — T11, but distant seven shots back, but certainly not out of the running with two rounds left to play. The U.S. Open is the final leg Scheffler needs to claim his career grand slam. Rory McIlroy is also at even par, seven shots back, in his quest for a seventh career major and second U.S. Open.

Notables to miss the cut

In typical U.S. Open fashion, the set-up had some teeth, and the cut was set at four over par. A number of big names found themselves on the wrong side of that mark, including Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, Billy Horschel, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Reed, Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, Adam Scott, J.J. Spaun and Brooks Koepka.

Moving Day awaits

What fresh drama does Saturday at Shinnecock have in store? Clark will have an enormous amount of pressure on him to hold the line, as only five other players are within five shots of his lead, 9 are within six shots and 20 are within seven shots.

Conditions will likely remain breezy on Saturday, with steady winds in the 15 mph range, and gusts of 25 mph expected throughout the third round.

So get your popcorn ready and click here for everything you need to know to watch the third-round action at the 2026 U.S. Open.

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