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2w ago

Wyndham Clark Leads U.S. Open After Weather Split Leaves First Round Incomplete

Fog and shifting coastal winds created a scoring gap that forces many players to finish their opening rounds early Friday.

Deadspin.com
Jun 18, 2026; Southampton, New York, USA; Keith Mitchell plays a tee shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Golfer Rory McIlroy swinging a club in front of a crowd of spectators, Image 2 shows A fan picks up Rory McIlroy's ball after a shot on the fourth hole during the first round of the U.S. Open on June 18, 2026
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Overview

  • Thursday's play at Shinnecock Hills began with a two-hour fog delay, moved into gusting winds that hiked scores for the morning wave, and was suspended for darkness at 8:25 p.m., leaving many first rounds unfinished.
  • Wyndham Clark sits 6-under through 16 holes and will return early Friday to complete his round with a four-shot advantage over the chasing pack.
  • A group of seven players including former U.S. Open champions Dustin Johnson, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jon Rahm and Gary Woodland are tied at 2-under with holes to play, while Rory McIlroy finished at 1-under and Scottie Scheffler posted a 2-over 72.
  • The late-afternoon calm produced noticeably lower scoring for afternoon starters, a split that the USGA tried to blunt by widening fairways and ‘syringing’ greens to keep surfaces softer and more receptive.
  • The suspension reshuffles logistics and momentum: oddsmakers have boosted Clark, players must finish rounds early Friday before starting Round 2, and the tee-time wave effects could continue to shape who is well placed as the championship unfolds.