Wyndham Clark Leads US Open at Shinnecock Hills

Wyndham Clark entered the weekend with a four‑shot advantage after posting a 64 in the fog‑delayed opening round and a one‑under 69 on Friday, giving him a seven‑under 133 total – the lowest 36‑hole score ever recorded at Shinnecock Hills. Clark said, “I really felt like I could be in double digits… I’m glad it went in,” after sinking a 33‑foot birdie putt on the 18th.

Strong Atlantic breezes made conditions difficult for the field. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler described the wind as “the biggest challenge,” noting that “playing in the wind is extremely difficult.” Rory McIlroy fell back with three consecutive bogeys on the back‑nine, finishing seven shots behind the leader.

Other major winners remained within striking distance: Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa each sat four strokes back, while Tom Kim and Sam Stevens shared the same score. Several high‑profile players missed the cut, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka and several LIV Golf stars.

The tournament also drew attention to the club’s history. Protesters highlighted the Shinnecock Indian Nation’s claim to the land, noting that the course was built over former burial sites and that the club’s logo appropriates indigenous imagery. These demonstrations added a cultural‑rights dimension to the sporting event.