Scottie Scheffler might not be firing along at the otherworldly level he's displayed over the past three years, but he reminded everyone Saturday why he's the top man in golf.
With an outrageous blitz on the back nine, Scheffler vaulted back into contention at the U.S. Open to keep his shot at completing the career grand slam alive.
Scheffler certainly didn't open the third round as if he'd put on a vintage performance, recording bogeys on Nos. 1 and 3 at Shinnecock Hills. Though the front nine played significantly easier than the closing stretch, he made the turn in 2-over 37.
But not many courses can hold Scheffler down when he's firing, and he immediately began reversing his fortunes with a birdie on the treacherous 10th. The four-time major winner then showed some rare emotion following a trademark chip-in birdie on No. 14 before piling on another birdie with excellent iron work on the 15th.
At the par-5 16th, Scheffler showcased his elite approach skills with a majestic 3-wood from 258 yards that ended up just 13 feet from the hole for a chance at eagle. He missed the shot but managed to post his third straight birdie and move into second place.
Ok Scottie!
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 20, 2026
That left for eagle at 16. pic.twitter.com/pwhntmOTFK
While a missed 4-footer after another brilliant approach on 18 soured the finish, Scheffler's 3-under 32 on the back nine made him the only player to complete his round Saturday by breaking par on the closing stretch.
"I made a really nice birdie there on the 10th. That was a hole where it's really hard to hold that green, so it was really nice to kind of steal a shot there," Scheffler said. "Definitely stole one with a pitch in there on 14, which gave me some momentum, and took advantage of a few opportunities late, as well."
Conditions only worsened for those still completing when Scheffler walked off the course, and he could potentially play in the final group Sunday alongside leader Wyndham Clark. Notably, all of Scheffler's previous major wins came when he played in the final group on the last day.
Should Scheffler chase Clark down Sunday, he'd become just the seventh man to win the career grand slam, joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy.
"I think it's appropriate to understand what's at stake," Scheffler admitted when asked about the grand slam. "I've worked really hard for a long time to have a chance to win golf tournaments and to win major championships. Yeah, I think understanding the moment and giving it your best shot I think is all part of the process."
