OAKMONT, Pa. – Scottie Scheffler came to Oakmont feeling confident about his swing, but a challenging U.S. Open has seen it go missing, at least for now. Despite that, Scheffler managed his best round of the week on Saturday with an even-par 70, maintaining a position at 4-over. His friend Sam Burns leads by eight strokes, complicating Scheffler’s shot at the title, especially since his usual sharp game has yet to fully emerge over 54 holes.
Reflecting on his performance, Scheffler admitted his position isn’t where he intended to be after three days, noting, “Am I in the position I had hoped to be after three days? Obviously not. But for the way I’ve swung it and played the last few days, I feel like I could be a lot worse.” His remarks convey the high expectations set by the world’s top-ranked golfer, who will still be competing from a significant spot on the leaderboard come Sunday.
Scheffler’s determination has been evident. Following a 71 on Friday, he devoted time to the practice range and engaged in an animated session with his long-time coach, Randy Smith. Despite his clear frustration, he remarked that these practice sessions are a regular occurrence, and though solutions haven’t come easy, encouragement from Smith offered some help.
The weekend has seen unfortunate and “silly mistakes” hamper Scheffler’s climb. A missed 2-footer on the eighth and taking a drop on the ninth due to a wayward shot were notable errors. Yet, he managed to recover, as shown by a precise wedge shot for a birdie on the 12th and a birdie on the 17th. Closing with a par on 18, he inched up the leaderboard even while knowing he needed more.
As he prepares for Sunday, hopeful for an unlikely run at Burns, Scheffler remains optimistic about his season’s form. “I’ve had three days where I haven’t really had my swing, and I’ve been battling out there and still have a chance, albeit an outside chance. But still a chance,” he reflected.
Another storyline at Oakmont is Carlos Ortiz, who seemed destined to miss the cut after a rough start to the second round, posting a 5-over 40 on the front nine. However, the 34-year-old from Guadalajara rallied impressively, ultimately firing a 3-under 67 on Saturday, positioning himself in one of the final groups. Having only made the cut twice in his nine prior major appearances, Ortiz finds himself in an exciting territory.
Ortiz leveraged softer conditions due to overnight rain, marking one of the few players to find a nearly flawless rhythm. Birdies on both par-5s and key par-3 and par-4 holes, marred only by a missed save after a bunker error, boosted his score. “Different player, same course,” he mused, recalling a disappointing performance nine years ago at Oakmont.
For Philip Barbaree Jr., the day bore a triumph of its own. He needed a par on the daunting 9th hole to make his first U.S. Open cut, a feat achieved by sinking a critical 5-foot putt in a conquering moment defined by raw emotion and personal victory. Accompanied by his wife and caddie, Chloe, the joy shared was uncontainable as Barbaree’s journey in the tournament continued. This success brings practical rewards too, including qualification advantages ahead of future events.
Finally, Tyrrell Hatton showcased his characteristic grit, contending after navigating moments of frustration with finesse. Despite a misfortune on the 15th leading to a double-bogey, Hatton steadied himself with late birdies, ensuring he remains in the hunt.
The varied tales emerging from the tournament demonstrate the thrilling highs and humbling lows of professional golf, with the U.S. Open offering a particularly stern test of both skill and composure for all involved.