Emerging
Jun 19, 20261
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Wyndham Clark Leads Incomplete First Round of U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills
The U.S. Open's first round at Shinnecock Hills was halted by darkness with Wyndham Clark leading at 6-under par. Windy conditions made scoring difficult, particularly for the morning wave of players, with several former champions within striking distance of the lead.
Quick Facts
Who
Wyndham Clark
What
First round of U.S. Open halted by darkness
When
June 19, 2026
Where
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
- First round of U.S. Open halted by darkness
- Wyndham Clark leading at 6-under par with two holes remaining
- Seven-way tie for second place at 2-under par
- Windy conditions affecting play
- Keith Mitchell scored 41 and 29 on consecutive nines
Play was halted by darkness during the first round of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, with Wyndham Clark holding a commanding lead. Clark was 6-under par with two holes remaining when play stopped, positioning him well ahead of the field.
A seven-way tie for second place at 2-under par includes several former U.S. Open champions: Dustin Johnson, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jon Rahm, and Gary Woodland. Rory McIlroy, who competed in the more challenging morning wave, shot 69 and sits one shot behind the tied leaders.
The first round was distinguished by windy conditions that significantly affected scoring. The morning wave of players averaged 73.87 strokes, nearly a full stroke higher than afternoon competitors. Players from Oklahoma schools made notable runs up the leaderboard in the difficult conditions, with Oklahoma Sooners Max McGreevy and amateur Ryder Cowen, and Oklahoma State's Sam Stevens all spending time near the top. Keith Mitchell turned in a remarkable day with scores of 41 and 29 on his two nines, becoming the first U.S. Open player to post such contrasting nine-hole scores.
With approximately 50 players still on the course when darkness fell, play will resume Friday morning at 6:35 a.m., with Dustin Johnson beginning the session with a 3½-foot birdie putt on the par-3 seventh hole. Television coverage will be split across Peacock and NBC throughout the day.
Topics
Why This Matters
This incomplete first round sets up a dramatic Friday resumption with Wyndham Clark holding a commanding lead but still two holes away from completion. The windy conditions have created an unusually difficult U.S. Open setup where morning players faced significantly harder scoring conditions, introducing unpredictability into the tournament standings. With former champions like Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm, and Rory McIlroy within striking distance, the final outcome remains wide open, and Friday's early start will determine whether Clark can maintain his advantage or if the field closes in during more favorable afternoon conditions.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 19, 2026
WireFirst round of U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills halted by darkness
Jun 19, 2026
WireWyndham Clark leading at 6-under par with two holes remaining when play stopped
Jun 20, 2026
WirePlay to resume Friday morning at 6:35 a.m. EDT with Dustin Johnson hitting birdie putt on hole 7