As darkness descended on Shinnecock Hills, Wyndham Clark found himself in a favorable position during the opening round of the U.S. Open, which had to be paused due to fading light. The 2023 champion demonstrated remarkable skill late in the day, surging four strokes ahead of his competitors. Clark’s performance was highlighted by a sequence of impressive shots, including consecutive birdies and an eagle, which left him at six under par through 16 holes. This strong showing took place under the more favorable calm evening conditions, setting him apart from a closely contested leaderboard. Meanwhile, Sam Stevens led those who completed their rounds with a score of two under par, as numerous players still had to finish their play when the day concluded.
The first day of competition faced significant interruptions; a thick morning fog caused a delay exceeding two hours, preventing many golfers from completing their rounds. Despite the challenging weather, Clark’s exceptional late push secured him an advantageous position early in the tournament. Among those still in the mix, Rory McIlroy remained a threat after posting a one-under 69. The Masters champion temporarily held the lead but slipped back following late bogeys, keeping him within reach for the second round.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler faced a tough round, managing to score a two-over 72. Despite a rocky start, Scheffler’s performance allowed him to stay within striking distance of the leaders. In an effort to maintain fair playing conditions amid the forecasted high winds, tournament officials opted for the unusual measure of watering the greens.
With the interruption leaving several players with unfinished rounds, Clark is poised to continue his strong play on Friday as he seeks a second U.S. Open title. The competition remains open, with many contenders still having a chance to climb the leaderboard as the tournament progresses.
