Full Breakdown
Moving Day at the 2026 U.S. Open: Third-Round Schedule, Conditions, and Contenders
6/21/2026, 1:02:57 AM
Saturday’s Schedule and Pairings
The third round began Saturday, June 20, at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y. Pairings were set by leaderboard position, with the leaders teeing off last. The final grouping—Matt Fitzpatrick with 2023 champion Wyndham Clark—started at 3:45 p.m. ET. Earlier groups opened as early as 9:00 a.m. ET, with the first tee occupied by Dylan Wu and Jacob Bridgeman. The day’s tee times spanned roughly 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, and television coverage ran on USA (10 a.m.–12 p.m.) followed by NBC (12 p.m.–8 p.m.). Streaming was available via Peacock, USOpen.com, and the USGA app.
Background & Context
After two rounds, Wyndham Clark held a four-shot lead at -7, the lowest 36-hole total ever recorded at Shinnecock Hills. The cut line was set at +4, allowing 72 players (including five amateurs) to continue. Historically, no 36-hole leader at Shinnecock has captured the title in the previous four Opens, underscoring the course’s reputation for “carnage.”
Key Contenders
- Wyndham Clark (2023 champion) – -7, four strokes ahead.
- Matt Fitzpatrick (2022 champion) – -3, tied for second.
- Xander Schauffele – -3, paired with Sam Stevens in the penultimate tee time.
- Scottie Scheffler (world No. 1) – E, seeking a career Grand Slam.
- Rory McIlroy (career Grand Slam winner) – E, aiming for another major.
- Collin Morikawa – -2, two-stroke challenger.
Data & Statistics
- Leader’s score: Clark -7 (64-69).
- Cut: +4 (4-over 144).
- Wind: gusts reported up to 35 mph (USGA memo) and 23-24 mph (player accounts).
- Green speed: Stimpmeter raised from 10.5 to 11.
- Field size after cut: 72 (67 professionals, 5 amateurs).
Official Statements & Responses
The USGA issued a memo confirming that greens would be firmer and faster and that wind would be stronger than on Thursday. USGA CEO Mike Whan emphasized the challenge, noting the day’s conditions were “by far the windiest morning I’ve walked out” and that the tournament must balance difficulty with playability.
Criticism & Opposition
A predictive model from SportsLine projected that Clark would falter, forecasting a third-place finish despite his lead. Analysts also highlighted the historical pattern that Shinnecock’s demanding layout has prevented 36-hole leaders from winning, suggesting the leaderboard could shift dramatically.
On-the-Ground Reports
- Dylan Wu opened the day with a quadruple-bogey eight after a five-putt on the first green, ultimately posting 12-over 82.
- Miles Russell (amateur, 17) posted a 4-over 70, describing the experience as “super special” and looking forward to Sunday’s final round with his father.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Wind speed: USGA memo cites gusts “over 35 mph,” while Wu reported “23-24 mph, gusting to 35 mph.”
- First tee time: Some outlets list a 9:00 a.m. start; others reference an 8:30 a.m. window, reflecting uncertainty before the final schedule release.
Verbatim Quotes
- “USGA CEO Mike Whan joined “Live From” Saturday morning and said, “This is by far the windiest morning that I’ve walked out, and I’ve been here a long time.” — Mike Whan, USGA CEO
- “Yeah, it’s really special to get to play the weekend here, just in any tournament,” — Miles Russell, amateur
- “I got a swing coach that really helped me,” — Wyndham Clark, 2023 U.S. Open champion
What’s Next
Sunday’s final round will begin in the early morning, with leaders again teeing off last. The leaderboard will be reshuffled based on Saturday’s results, and the champion will be crowned after the final 18 holes at Shinnecock Hills.
