The 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills has seen an exhilarating start, with defending champion Wyndham Clark setting the pace at six-under-par after an impressive opening round of 64. Clark, who secured the clubhouse lead, is facing stiff competition from a field rich with former champions, as the second day of play gets underway.
Among those in close pursuit is American Dustin Johnson, the 2016 Oakmont champion, who stands at four-under-par. Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick, winner of the 2023 US Open at Brookline, is also firmly in contention at three-under-par, having just missed a birdie putt on his first hole of the second round. Sharing Fitzpatrick's position is Gary Woodland, the 2019 Pebble Beach victor, whose return to form is a significant storyline.
Woodland's journey back to competitive golf has been well-documented, following brain surgery in September 2023 to remove a lesion, which subsequently led to a public battle with PTSD. His recent victory at the Houston Open in March, his first PGA Tour win in almost seven years, marked a poignant comeback. His strong start at Shinnecock, including an opening 67 and a birdie on his first hole of round two, places him firmly in the mix for a second US Open title.
The challenging conditions at Shinnecock, compounded by a two-hour fog delay on Thursday morning, meant that several players were still completing their first rounds as Friday's play began. This included Jon Rahm, another former US Open champion, who was at two-under-par with three holes remaining in his first round. The slow pace of play is a characteristic feature of the tournament, adding another layer of mental fortitude required from the competitors.
Other notable players include two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who shot an even-par 70 in his first round. Viktor Hovland, despite a strong third-place finish in Canada last week, struggled in his opening round, recording a six-over-par 76 with no birdies. The leaderboard remains fluid as the second round progresses, promising further drama at one of golf's most prestigious events.