Emerging
Published Jun 19, 2026Updated Jun 191
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Wyndham Clark Takes US Open Lead at Shinnecock Hills as Late-Day Conditions Prove Advantageous
Wyndham Clark seized the opportunity presented by late-afternoon conditions at Shinnecock Hills, shooting 6-under par through 16 holes to take a four-shot lead after the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open. A morning fog delay pushed his tee time to late afternoon, allowing him to play as winds subsided and the course became more receptive to scoring.
Quick Facts
- First round of U.S. Open
- Morning fog delay of two hours
- Wyndham Clark finished at 6-under par through 16 holes
- Birdie-birdie-eagle stretch
- Four-shot lead secured
Wyndham Clark capitalized on favorable late-afternoon conditions at Shinnecock Hills to seize the lead after the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open. A two-hour morning fog delay pushed Clark's tee time to late afternoon, allowing him to benefit from subsiding winds as the sun set. The former U.S. Open champion finished at 6-under par through 16 holes—stopped only by darkness—giving him a four-shot lead over seven players.
Clark's round featured exceptional golf, including a birdie-birdie-eagle stretch that proved decisive. Starting on the 10th hole, he opened with two quick birdies and went out in 32. After missing a birdie putt on No. 1 and failing to save par on the par-3 second, he recovered with consecutive birdies on Nos. 3 and 4, then hit an eagle on the par-5 fifth hole from 207 yards out. "Everything was kind of clicking," Clark said, acknowledging that the favorable wind conditions in his favor were crucial to his success.
The USGA had intentionally set up Shinnecock Hills with slower, more receptive greens and reasonable pin positions to keep the course playable in strong winds. However, when afternoon winds subsided, the course became significantly more receptive to scoring. The early morning wave of players faced gusts exceeding 30 mph, with scoring averages well above 74. In contrast, the afternoon wave played at least a stroke easier. By the end of play, 17 players finished under par—an unfamiliar sight for Shinnecock Hills.
Clark will return Friday morning to complete his opening round, needing only two more pars to break the course record of 66 for an opening round. Among those trailing him by four shots were Oklahoma junior Ryder Cowan (68), Dustin Johnson, and four former U.S. Open champions. Johnson, who had been tied with Clark after 13 holes, faltered on the par-5 fifth and par-4 sixth holes, three-putting for a double bogey. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who needs the U.S. Open to complete the career Grand Slam, managed a 72 despite battling difficult conditions and relying heavily on his short game, but now sits four shots off the lead.
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Why This Matters
Wyndham Clark's dominant four-shot lead after the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open demonstrates how dramatically course conditions and timing can influence major championship outcomes. His ability to capitalize on favorable late-afternoon winds while competitors faced brutal morning gusts illustrates the role of luck and scheduling in professional golf. For readers following the tournament, Clark's exceptional scoring—particularly the birdie-birdie-eagle stretch—showcases championship-caliber golf, while his potential to break the course record Friday morning adds compelling narrative tension to the competition.