US Open 2026 Moving Day: Clark Leads as Big Names Miss Cut at Shinnecock Hills
Moving Day at the US Open 2026 saw Wyndham Clark surge to -7, while a host of former major champions failed to make the cut, reshaping the final‑day showdown at Shinnecock Hills.
The Opening Rounds Set the Stage at Shinnecock Hills
The third round concluded with a wet bridge and challenging conditions that tested every contender. As the field narrowed, the tournament entered the decisive "Moving Day" where players jockey for position ahead of the final round.
Leaderboard Snapshot: Clark’s Seven‑Shot Lead and the Pack Behind
- -7: Wyndham Clark
- -3: Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele, Sam Stevens, Tom Kim
- -2: Collin Morikawa
- -1: Justin Thomas, Harry Higgs, Sam Burns, Sahith Theegala
- E: William Mouw, Ryder Cowan (a), Ryo Hisatsune, Gary Woodland, Akshay Bhatia, Keith Mitchell, Rory McIlroy, Maverick McNealy, Brian Harman, Scottie Scheffler, Alex Fitzpatrick
High‑Profile Misses Reshape the Tournament Narrative
A notable list of big‑name players failed to survive the cut, including:
- Bryson DeChambeau
- Viktor Hovland
- Rickie Fowler
- Patrick Reed
- Harris English
- Shane Lowry
- Jon Rahm
- Patrick Cantlay
- Cameron Smith
- Si Woo Kim
- Min Woo Lee
- Sepp Straka
- Adam Scott
- Brooks Koepka
- Padraig Harrington
- Graeme McDowell
- defending champion JJ Spaun
The absence of these former champions opens the door for a new face to claim the title.
What to Expect on the Final Day: Contenders and Course Challenges
With Clark perched at -7, the pressure will shift to the tightly‑bunched leaders at -3 and -2. Players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, who are still on the course, must navigate the notoriously tricky closing holes at Shinnecock Hills. Weather forecasts suggest continued breezy conditions, which could amplify scoring volatility.
Analysts predict a battle for the lead in the final hour, with the potential for a dramatic swing if the leaders falter on the 16th‑18th holes. Expect a final‑round leaderboard that could see the top five within a single stroke, setting up a thrilling finish for the 2026 US Open.