Wyndham Clark Leads U.S. Open by Four at Shinnecock

Sport

By lines

June 19, 2026

Wyndham Clark leads the 2026 U.S. Open by four shots after 36 holes. Clark sits at 7 under at Shinnecock Hills. The total sets a U.S. Open record at the venue.

How Wyndham Clark Built a Four-Shot Cushion at Shinnecock

Wyndham Clark opened with a 6-under 64 on Thursday. That 64 set the U.S. Open 18-hole record at Shinnecock Hills. Clark added a 1-under 69 on Friday for 7 under. The 36-hole total set a U.S. Open scoring record at the venue. Clark won the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club.

Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Sam Stevens share second at 3 under. Scottie Scheffler sits at even par, seven shots back of Clark. Rory McIlroy also sits at even par after a 1-over 71. McIlroy trails Clark by seven shots entering the weekend. McIlroy says seven shots is not too much to chase down.

No 36-hole leader has ever won a U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Clark hopes to snap that Shinnecock trend this weekend. Shinnecock previously hosted U.S. Opens in 1986, 1995, 2004, and 2018. Each Shinnecock edition rewarded patience over aggression. The 2026 U.S. Open marks the venue’s latest test of par golf.

Several stars missed the cut at the 2026 U.S. Open. Bryson DeChambeau extended his missed-cut streak at Shinnecock. Jon Rahm also missed the cut after a late collapse. The exits thinned the chasing pack behind Wyndham Clark. Multiple LIV Golf stars failed to reach the weekend at Shinnecock.

A four-shot lead gives Clark margin on a firm Shinnecock layout. Clark still must protect the number across 36 weekend holes. Scottie Scheffler chases a career Grand Slam at this U.S. Open. A Scheffler title run would require erasing seven shots on Clark. Schauffele owns major pedigree and sits closest at three back.

Clark arrived at Shinnecock seeking a second major title. Clark now sits clear of the field by four shots. Clark closed out the 2023 U.S. Open from the final group. A win would give Clark two U.S. Open titles in four years. Clark turns the weekend into a test of front-running nerve.

Round 3 begins Saturday with Clark in the final pairing. Firmer greens could test every contender at Shinnecock Hills. Clark last closed out a major at the 2023 U.S. Open. Forecasts point to faster conditions across the weekend rounds. Shinnecock often turns brutal once the wind rises off the Atlantic.