SOUTHAMPTON, New York — Scottie Scheffler felt the U.S. Open — and his first shot at the career Grand Slam — slipping away late in the third round.
Scheffler, playing Shinnecock’s 14th hole, was 1 over and eight shots behind leader Wyndham Clark.
Then Scheffler elicited the largest roar of the day on Long Island — and even uncharacteristically growled himself.
The world No. 1 chipped in from 65 feet, starting a run of three consecutive birdies. He ultimately moved into a tie for second with a 1-under 69, the second-best round of the day.
SCOTTTTTIEEEEE! 🚨 Scheffler birdies hole 14 to gain momentum on the back nine. pic.twitter.com/dvjL7Z3tMw
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) June 20, 2026
Scheffler will still go into Sunday six shots behind Clark — who began Saturday with a four-shot lead and grinded out an even 70.
Every man who has led a U.S. Open by six or more shots after 54 holes has gone on to win.
But Scheffler, who was tied for 11th through 54 holes, will at least be in the final pairing with Clark with the opportunity to apply pressure.
“We’ve been battling hard for a few days, and I did a good job of keeping myself in the tournament,” Scheffler said.
He overcame bogeys on his first two holes Saturday by recording three consecutive birdies in a U.S. Open round for the first time.
The normally even-keeled Scheffler explained why he roared and fist-pumped after that birdie on 14.
“We’ve been battling for three days now, and yeah, at that point over par for the tournament, you can feel like it’s kind of slipping away,” he said. “To steal one there was really nice.”
About 15 minutes later, Scheffler drained an 11-foot birdie putt on the 15th, adding another understated fist pump. That took him to 1 under and in red figures for the first time all tournament.
He reached the green in two on the 604-yard 16th and two-putted from 13 feet.
He may rue missed putts on 17 — seven feet for par — and 18 — four feet for birdie.
“I have an opportunity to go out there (Sunday) and have a great round and give myself a chance to win the tournament,” he said while Clark was still on course.
Scheffler must record the biggest final round comeback in U.S. Open history to become the seventh man to complete the career Grand Slam after Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.
Granted, Scheffler turns 30 on Sunday, so he should have many more chances.
Scheffler said before the tournament that the Grand Slam has never been a motivator for him.
However, he quipped after NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico said in a post-round interview that he wouldn’t mention the Slam.
“I think we’re all aware,” Scheffler said with a laugh.
