Wyndham Clark Takes Early Control of US Open with Impressive Opening Round

Posted : 19 June 2026

Wyndham Clark made the most of improving conditions at Shinnecock Hills to seize a two-shot lead after the opening round of the US Open, producing an outstanding six-under-par 64.

Weather disruptions affected the tournament schedule, with fog delaying play on Thursday and leaving 50 competitors unable to complete their first rounds. Clark was among those required to return early on Friday to finish the final two holes of his round, which he completed without trouble to remain atop the leaderboard.

However, his advantage was slightly reduced by playing partner Dustin Johnson. The 2016 US Open champion resumed play by converting a short birdie putt and added another birdie on his closing hole, finishing with a four-under-par 66 to move within two shots of the lead.

Just one stroke behind Johnson are former major champions Gary Woodland and Matt Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick improved his score on Friday morning with a birdie putt from 11 feet, ending the round at three under par and positioning himself firmly in contention.

The opening day highlighted the contrasting challenges presented by Shinnecock Hills. Known as one of golf's most demanding major championship venues, the course proved particularly difficult for players who teed off early. Among those struggling in the tougher morning conditions were world number one Scottie Scheffler and world number two Rory McIlroy.

Only a handful of golfers from the morning wave managed to finish under par, with American Sam Stevens briefly setting the pace at two under. Conditions became more favorable later in the day, allowing Clark to capitalize with an exceptional round featuring five birdies and an eagle.

Clark’s strong start continues a resurgence in form that has developed over recent months. The American missed the cut at last year’s US Open and drew attention after damaging a locker at Oakmont Country Club, for which he later apologized. Since then, he has rebuilt momentum and emerged as one of the PGA Tour’s most consistent performers.

A victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May was followed by a third-place finish at the Memorial Tournament and another solid performance at the Canadian Open. His current form has carried over into the season’s third major championship, where he has already established himself as the player to catch.

Despite Clark’s early advantage, several experienced contenders remain within striking distance. Johnson showed flashes of the form that helped him capture the US Open title a decade ago, while Fitzpatrick continued the strong season that has already produced multiple PGA Tour victories.

Also firmly in contention is Jon Rahm, the 2021 US Open champion. Rahm finished at two under par and was the only player in the field to complete his round without a bogey. The Spaniard could have moved even closer to the lead had he converted birdie opportunities on his final two holes.

With challenging conditions expected to continue throughout the championship, Clark has positioned himself strongly heading into the second round. However, with several major winners and elite players close behind, the battle for the US Open title remains wide open.

Wyndham Clark Takes Early Control of US Open with Impressive Opening Round

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