The final round of the 2026 U.S. Open is set to kick off Sunday morning, with the skilled Scottie Scheffler sitting in second place as it stands. This is not just any tournament on the schedule for this season; it’s a Major and a chance at a career Grand Slam. In a career that has been filled with more success than many, this would be the cherry on top. It’s been an opportunity Scheffler has pushed back to stay focused, yet with one round left,, it’s all or nothing. Currently needing a steep comeback victory to overtake Wyndham Clark, the top in the sport if equipped to do just that.
One Round For History
Sunday morning will be the start of a quest to undoubtedly ink Scheffler’s name into PGA Tour history. What has started out as a relatively slow first two rounds, things picked up Saturday evening at Shinnecock Hills. With consecutive birdies on holes 14 through 16, Scheffler was back feeling his championship spirit.
“We’ve been battling for three days now,” Scheffler said. “So to steal a shot there at least is a pretty good feeling.”
As one of only two players to card under par on the day, a chance at the grand slam was still alive. Putting himself in a difficult position is an understatement, but not one unfamiliar this season. Erasing a six-shot lead is a big ask yet a task Scheffler can handle.
“It’s extremely challenging out there,” Scheffler said. “I’ll need a really nice round tomorrow if I’m going to try and catch Wyndham.”
Securing a Grand Slam
Clark has been in this very same spotlight before, in 2023 finishing the job in a nail biter. It was then he held off the No. 1 player in the world in Scheffler, and now looking to repeat. Realizing his victory came down to the wire once before, margins of error are even slimmer this time around.
“I’m definitely a lot more confident and believe I can do it. I’d say in ’23 there were still doubts. Not necessarily doubts, but I hadn’t done it, so there was a lot of unknown,” Clark said. “Now that I have done it, I know I can do it, and I can do it again.”
Sunday evening would be a storybook ending for Scheffler winning a grand slam, victory on Father’s Day, and a solid birthday present. It will take focus and execution to complete the comeback and allow Scheffler to have a complete career.
“I think it’s appropriate to understand what’s at stake. 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, I think, is all part of the process. We want to be in these positions. This is why we practice and play, to have the opportunity to win golf tournaments, and that’s what tomorrow is.”
At the conclusion of round four Sunday evening, the Tour will either have a two time U.S. Open winner or a career grand slam. Both endings are highlight worthy, yet what Scheffler can complete will be PGA Tour history for time to come.
Main Photo Credit: © Pamela Smith-Imagn Images
