126th US Open: Clark Leads by Four After 36 at Shinnecock Hills
- USGA
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Wyndham Clark spent his Friday afternoon watching the U.S. men's soccer team advance to the World Cup knockout round — and why not? Through 36 holes of the 126th U.S. Open, the 2023 champion owns a four-stroke lead.
His 7-under 133 — built on an opening 64 and a second-round 69 — set a Shinnecock Hills record. The 64 came despite a 4 a.m. wake-up call after Thursday's fog delay pushed his finish into Friday morning. He closed the day in style, draining a 33-footer for birdie on 18.
The chasers are formidable. Matt Fitzpatrick (2022 U.S. Open champion) and Xander Schauffele (two-time major winner) sit at 3 under, joined by Sam Stevens and qualifier Tom Kim. Collin Morikawa's second-round 65 — his best U.S. Open round in eight starts — leaves him five back. Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler, who needs the title to complete the career Grand Slam, are both at even par.
History does work against Clark: no 36-hole leader at the last four Shinnecock Opens has won the championship.
The cut came at 4-over 144, the lowest in Shinnecock Open history, with 67 professionals and five amateurs advancing. Notable casualties include two-time champion Brooks Koepka, 2021 champion Jon Rahm, two-time champion Bryson DeChambeau and defending champion J.J. Spaun.
Courtesy Julia Pine / USGA
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