Scheffler storms back into US Open mix: 'I have an opportunity!'

Shinnecock Hills, New York – Scottie Scheffler is right back in the thick of it. After a slow start to his US Open campaign, the world number one roared into contention with a spirited third-round fightback at the iconic Long Island layout. Now, as the final round beckons, Scheffler is relishing the chance to add a second major championship to his collection.

The fightback

Scheffler’s opening two rounds at Shinnecock Hills were a grind. The course, renowned for its brutal winds, slick greens and punishing rough, had the world’s best on the back foot. But Saturday brought a different story. The 27-year-old Texan found his rhythm, stringing together birdies and clawing back strokes with the kind of resilience that has made him the dominant force in the game.

“I have an opportunity,” Scheffler said after his round, his tone measured but confident. The fightback was built on a rock-solid short game and a putter that finally caught fire. From the fairway, he was clinical; around the greens, he was inspired. By the time he walked off the 18th, he was firmly inside the top 10 and within striking distance of the lead.

Why it matters

Make no mistake: a Scheffler win at Shinnecock would be a statement. He already has a Masters green jacket from 2022, but the US Open – the toughest test in golf – would cement his place among the modern greats. The US Open is brutal, tactical, and often unpredictable, but Scheffler’s game is built for it. His combination of power, precision, and mental fortitude is tailor-made for the championship’s signature grind.

For context, no player has won both the Masters and US Open in the same season since Jordan Spieth in 2015. Scheffler has the chance to join that elite company. And with the Grand Slam – winning all four majors – a distant but tantalizing possibility, every major victory adds weight to his legacy.

The final day puzzle

Sunday at Shinnecock Hills will be anything but straightforward. The course is expected to play even firmer and faster, with the wind picking up in the afternoon. Scheffler will need to keep his cool, hit fairways, and avoid the big numbers that have derailed so many contenders. The leaderboard is stacked with major winners, hungry challengers, and local heroes. But Scheffler has shown time and again that he thrives under pressure.

His third-round charge has set up a fascinating final day. The field knows that Scheffler is lurking, and that alone can shift the dynamic. As he said, he has an opportunity. Now, it’s about seizing it.

What it means

Regardless of Sunday’s result, Scheffler’s fightback reminds us why he is world number one. He doesn’t just rely on talent; he fights. The US Open is often described as a war of attrition, and Scheffler is a warrior. A win would be historic; a near-miss would still signal his readiness for the rest of the season, including the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. One thing is certain: Scottie Scheffler is not done yet.