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Southampton’s Wyndham Clark seizes early U.S. Open lead

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SOUTHAMPTON, New York, June 18, 2026 — Former champion Wyndham Clark seized early control of the 126th U.S. Open Championship at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club with a standout opening round in difficult conditions. The 2023 U.S. Open winner moved to 6-under par through 16 holes, opening a four-shot cushion over the rest of the field before officials suspended play because of heavy darkness at 8:25 p.m. local time. Clark, starting on the back nine, capitalized on the calmer late-afternoon “golden hour” after a turbulent day of weather and delays at the historic Long Island venue, which is hosting the national championship for the sixth time. The opening round began under a thick blanket of fog that rolled over Shinnecock Hills early in the morning, forcing a two-hour delay and pushing the first tee times to 9:05 a.m. Once play started, competitors faced sustained winds approaching 25 mph and stronger gusts that shifted direction midway through the afternoon, contributing to a congested early leaderboard. To keep the course playable in the high winds, the United States Golf Association slowed the greens to 10.5 on the Stimpmeter and maintained extra moisture on the putting surfaces. The 2026 championship features a record $22.5 million prize purse, with $4.5 million earmarked for the eventual winner.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Morning, Jun 18, 2026 Two-hour fog delay shifts tee times
Morning, Jun 18, 2026 USGA slows greens, maintains moisture
Late morning, Jun 18, 2026 Players battle 25 mph shifting winds
Afternoon, Jun 18, 2026 Wind begins subsiding across Shinnecock Hills
Late afternoon, Jun 18, 2026 Wyndham Clark starts on back nine
Evening, Jun 18, 2026 Clark reaches six under through sixteen
8:25 p.m. Jun 18, 2026 Darkness forces suspension of opening round

Why This Matters to You

If you're a golf fan, this is a thrilling start to the U.S. Open. Wyndham Clark's performance is a testament to skill and strategy in tough conditions. You can learn from his approach: adapt to changing circumstances, seize opportunities when they arise.

The Bottom Line

Despite the weather, the U.S. Open is off to a gripping start. Clark's early lead sets the stage for an exciting championship. Keep an eye on how other players respond in the coming rounds. Worth forwarding if you have a friend who loves a good underdog story.