The US Open 2026 kicked off with a dramatic first round at the challenging Shinnecock Hills course. Wyndham Clark the 2026 champion, took full advantage of calmer afternoon conditions to build a commanding four-shot lead. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are among those chasing him.
The day started with a two-hour suspension due to fog, creating a challenging environment for the morning starters. Only six players managed to break par in the gusty conditions. However, Clark capitalized on the improved weather in the afternoon to surge to the top of the leaderboard.
Clark’s Stellar Performance
Clark reached the turn in 32 before cancelling out a bogey at the par-three second with back-to-back birdies on his next two holes. He then produced a stunning approach into the par-five fifth to set up a close-range eagle. With two holes remaining when play was suspended due to darkness, Clark was six under for his round.
“Birdieing the first two was really nice,” Clark said. “Then I had a little bit of a lull, but made some great par saves. It was great birdieing 18. Then a little mishap, missed a shorty on one and then a bogey on two, but then got into a nice rhythm. Everything was clicking.”
Clark has the chance to create major history when play resumes. He needs to birdie one of his remaining two holes to post an opening-round 63 and equal the course record. A birdie-birdie finish would see him match the lowest round in men’s major history.
McIlroy and Scheffler’s Struggles
Rory McIlroy temporarily held a two-shot lead earlier in the day when an eagle at the fifth lifted him to three under. However, the world No 2 made a bogey-bogey finish to his opening-round 69.
“With the conditions today, anything under par or anything around even par is a good score,” McIlroy said. “It was a day to really keep yourself in the tournament and not shoot yourself out of it, which is exactly what I did eight years ago here [opening-round 80].”
Scottie Scheffler the world No 1, was four strokes back after opening with a two-over 72. “It was a really challenging day,” Scheffler said. “If you told me when I was staring at my par putt on the ninth that I would post two over today, I would definitely have taken it at the time. “
Other Notable Performances
Sam Stevens was the pick of the morning starters, setting the clubhouse target with a two-under 68. Max McGreevy and amateur Ryder Cowan matched it later in the day. Four former US Open champions, including Matt FitzpatrickDustin JohnsonGary Woodland and Jon Rahm are also sitting on two under with holes to complete.
Those in the afternoon wave got the best of the conditions and will be the early starters on Friday, where tee times have been pushed back to 15 minutes later than originally scheduled.
