Clark Leads U.S. Open at 6 Under After Day One
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- Wyndham Clark opened the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills with a 6-under round through 16 holes, building a four-shot lead before play was suspended by darkness on Thursday.
- Eight players sit tied for second at 2 under: Sam Stevens, amateur Ryder Cowan, Max McGreevy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland, Jon Rahm and Ben Kohles, with four of that group still finishing their opening rounds.
- Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau each posted 1-under rounds, while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler carded 1 over and sits tied for 48th.
- Defending champion J.J. Spaun had a nightmare opening round at 7 over, a stark contrast to Clark's red-hot start.
- Amateur Ryder Cowan is tied for second at 2 under, the lone non-pro among the chasing pack on day one.
Why it matters: Clark's 6-under start at Shinnecock — a course that historically punishes aggressive play — puts him four clear of a star-studded chasing pack that includes Rahm, Fitzpatrick and Johnson, while defending champ Spaun's 7-over opener signals his title defense may be over before Friday's second round even begins.
