Wyndham Clark surged ahead of the competition with an impressive performance at the U.S. Open’s opening round at Shinnecock Hills, although play was cut short due to fading light. Clark, the 2023 champion, made a remarkable late-round push, reaching six under par through 16 holes. He capitalized on the calmer evening conditions with a series of birdies and an eagle, pulling four shots ahead of a closely bunched field before darkness halted proceedings.
The tournament’s first day was marked by significant disruptions, as dense morning fog delayed play by over two hours, preventing many players from completing their rounds. Despite the weather challenges, Clark’s exceptional finish positioned him strongly in the early stages of the tournament. Sam Stevens was the leader among the completed rounds, sitting at two under par, while several competitors remained on the course when play was paused.
Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion, maintained his presence in the leaderboard’s upper echelons with a solid one-under 69. Although McIlroy briefly took the outright lead, a couple of late bogeys set him back slightly, yet he remains well within striking distance as the tournament progresses into the second round.
Meanwhile, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler navigated through a challenging round to post a two-over 72. Despite an inconsistent start, Scheffler managed to stay within reach of the leaders, showcasing resilience on a tricky day. To address the strong winds forecasted in the coming days, tournament officials took the unusual step of watering the greens to ensure fair conditions for all players.
As the tournament continues, many players will need to complete their first rounds. Wyndham Clark will resume play on Friday, starting from a commanding position as he aims for a second U.S. Open title.