Wyndham Clark leads the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills after fog delayed the first round on June 1, 2026. A majority of players will complete their rounds Friday morning.
What happened
A two-hour fog delay at Shinnecock Hills forced 50 golfers to finish their first round Friday morning. Wyndham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, finished 16 holes at 6 under par before play was suspended. Clark has averaged over 32 percent birdies in his last four tournaments and led the field in strokes gained putting, surpassing four strokes on Shinnecock’s greens.
If Clark preserves his four-stroke lead, it would represent the largest 18-hole advantage at the tournament since 1933.
A group of four past champions, including Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm, stood at 2 under par when play was halted. Johnson, the 2016 champion, recorded four consecutive birdies, while Rahm did not register any bogeys in his first round.
Why it matters
The U.S. Open, one of golf’s four major championships, attracts considerable attention from fans and players. Early performance can provide insight into a golfer’s overall tournament prospects, influencing their momentum in subsequent rounds. Historical records show a correlation between strong first-round performances and overall tournament victories.
Background
The U.S. Open began on May 27, 2026, amidst high expectations, particularly for Clark, who has emerged as a prominent figure on the PGA Tour. His previous performances, including a 60 at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and a tie for 11th at the RBC Canadian Open, heightened anticipation for his performance at Shinnecock.
Leading up to the tournament, golf enthusiasts speculated on which players would excel, particularly those with past U.S. Open victories, as past champions gathered at the renowned course.
What's next
Play is scheduled to resume on Friday, June 2, 2026, at 6:35 a.m. ET. Historical trends suggest that 24 of the last 27 U.S. Open champions have been within four strokes of the lead after the first round.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the U.S. Open significant?
The U.S. Open is one of golf’s four major championships and draws major attention from fans and players, impacting future performances.
How does early performance affect the tournament?
Strong early performances can indicate a golfer’s chances for overall success, with historical data suggesting correlations with tournament wins.
Related coverage on CR Today
Sources
- CR Today — Wyndham Clark leads the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock (accessed 2026-06-19)
