Southampton (United States) (AFP) – Scottie Scheffler rarely utters the words career Grand Slam, but make no mistake, he knows what’s at stake in Sunday’s final round of the US Open. World number one Scheffler fired a one-under par 69 in Saturday’s third round at windy Shinnecock to share second place on one-under 209, six strokes behind leader Wyndham Clark. The American would complete a career Grand Slam with a victory Sunday on his 30th birthday, which is also Father’s Day for the dad of two.
“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 major championships,” Scheffler said. “Understanding the moment and giving it your best shot is all part of the process.” Scheffler has long dreamed of winning a US Open, even after collecting two Masters titles and last year’s PGA Championship and British Open titles.
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“We want to be in these positions. This is why we practice and play, to have the opportunity to win,” Scheffler said. “I have an opportunity to go out there and have a great round and give myself a chance to win.” Scheffler reeled off three birdies in a row starting with a 65-foot chip-in at the 14th hole.
“Overall, proud of how we played on the back nine and going into tomorrow, just continue to do what I need to do and try and execute,” Scheffler said. “Did a really good job of that on the back nine and keep that momentum going into tomorrow’s round.” He will join Clark in the final group on Sunday, giving him a face-to-face duel with the leader.
“If you’re in the final group, that’s less people you’ve got to chase,” Scheffler said. “It’s definitely better than being not in the last group, further away.” Scheffler expects a firmer course for the last round, which is a style he likes.
“I’ve always enjoyed the more challenging setups,” Scheffler said. “Greens today started to firm up. You would see some pretty green grass and then some very brown grass, so there was a little bit of mystery in terms of how the ball was going to react. That’s just part of the challenge of the US Open, judging the conditions and putting yourself in the right spots and hitting great shots.”
“I feel like if you hit a great shot, you’re going to get rewarded. Good shots are going to be borderline. I assume going into tomorrow they’re going to continue to get firmer and firmer. As this golf course gets firmer and firmer and with the wind up, it’s extremely challenging out there.”
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