Wyndham Clark has opened the 2026 U.S. Open with a six-under-par 64 at Shinnecock Hills, taking the early lead after a fog-hit first round in Southampton, New York.
The 2023 champion finished the delayed round on Friday morning and posted the lowest opening round ever recorded in a U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, according to the official USGA report from Shinnecock Hills.
Clark’s 64 put him clear of a chasing group that included Dustin Johnson on four under, with Gary Woodland, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jon Rahm, Sam Stevens, Max McGreevy and amateur Ryder Cowan among those in the early red numbers.
Clark Sets The Pace As Shinnecock Changes The U.S. Open Picture
The context matters because Shinnecock was expected to be brutal. Fog delayed play by two hours on Thursday, while gusty winds forced the USGA to manage green speeds and water surfaces between waves to keep the championship test fair.
That made Clark’s round more than a fast start. He took advantage as conditions eased late in the day, then returned on Friday morning to complete a statement score at a venue where par usually carries real weight.
Rory McIlroy remains in touch after a one-under 69, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler opened with a two-over 72 in his chase for the career grand slam. Clark, though, has given the field a clear number to chase before the second round fully takes shape.
