World number one Scottie Scheffler ignited his bid to claim the career grand slam after a one-under round of 69 made him the main threat to US Open third-round leader Wyndham Clark.
The American is taking his first shot at trying to join the elite six-man club which Rory McIlroy was admitted to last year after winning the Masters.
For two days Scheffler went under the radar after rounds of 72 and 68 but with a number of other multiple major winners who started the day in the top 10 struggling in the toughest conditions of the week at Shinnecock Hills, the 29-year-old breezed past them and into contention.
His round, which started with back-to-back bogeys, included four birdies on the back nine – including a chip-in at the 14th and narrowly missing an eagle attempt at the 16th – and after dropping a shot at the short 17th he missed a four-footer for birdie at the last.
It moved him to within five shots of 2024 champion Clark, who was one over through 13 holes of his round and six under for the tournament when the world number one finished up.
McIlroy’s bid for a first US Open title since making his major breakthrough in 2011 collapsed after the turn after going out in a two-under 33.
Three successive birdies from the fifth moved him to within four of Clark, who was just teeing off, but he overshot the green at the difficult 10th for the second successive day for the first of five bogeys on an inward nine of 40 and a round of 73 which left him three over and his hopes in tatters.
Scheffler is hoping for a triple celebration on Sunday as it is his birthday and also Father’s Day.
“I think it’s appropriate to understand what’s at stake,” he said.
“I’ve worked really hard for a long time to have a chance to win golf tournaments and to win major championships.
“I think understanding the moment and giving it your best shot I think is all part of the process.
“I mean, I’d rather be leading but I have an opportunity to go out there and have a great round and give myself a chance to win the tournament.
“I’ll need a really nice round tomorrow if I’m going to try and catch Wyndham.”
