Wyndham Clark has set the early pace at the 2026 U.S. Open after completing a six-under 64 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. The 2023 champion finished the opening round on Friday morning after play had been delayed by fog and then suspended by darkness, turning a softened but still demanding major setup into the lowest opening round recorded in a U.S. Open at Shinnecock.
Clark’s move was built around a decisive birdie-birdie-eagle burst from the third to the fifth, taking advantage as the late-day wind dropped on Thursday. The USGA said the championship had been adjusted for heavy gusts, with green speeds eased and surfaces watered to keep the test fair.
Clark changes the shape of the leaderboard
According to the official U.S. Open update from the USGA, Dustin Johnson followed Clark with a four-under 66, while Matt Fitzpatrick, Gary Woodland, Jon Rahm, Sam Stevens, Max McGreevy and amateur Ryder Cowan were among the group at two under.
Rory McIlroy posted a one-under 69 after briefly reaching three under, while Scottie Scheffler opened with a two-over 72 in his bid to complete the career Grand Slam. Clark now heads into Friday’s second round with the field immediately under pressure at a venue that rarely gives contenders much breathing room. The margin is already meaningful.
