Full Breakdown
Wyndham Clark Sets 36-Hole Scoring Record at Shinnecock Hills in 2026 U.S. Open
6/20/2026, 5:03:38 AM
Opening Rounds and Record-Breaking Performance
Wyndham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, posted a 64 (-6) in the delayed opening round and followed with a 69 (-1) on Friday. His 133 total (-7) after 36 holes is the lowest two-round score ever recorded at Shinnecock Hills, surpassing the previous 6-under benchmark set by Phil Mickelson and Shigeki Maruyama in 2004. The lead stands at four strokes ahead of Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick, who are tied at 3-under.
Course Setup and USGA Management
The United States Golf Association (USGA) entered the championship with a forecast of sustained winds above 20 mph. To prevent the greens from becoming excessively fast, officials applied water between morning and afternoon groups—a practice described by the media as “syringing.” John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s chief championship officer, said the intent was to keep Shinnecock “Shinnecock” while protecting the putting surfaces from wind-induced volatility. Green speeds were set in the high-10s to low-11s on the Stimpmeter, with additional moisture applied as needed throughout the first two days.
Key Contenders and Field Overview
The field comprises 156 players, including 12 former U.S. Open champions: Dustin Johnson (2016), Gary Woodland (2019), Matt Fitzpatrick (2022), Jon Rahm (2021), and others. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and Justin Thomas are also in contention. Seven amateurs, among them Oklahoma juniors Ryder Cowan and Preston Stout, made the first-round cut.
Official Statements from the USGA
Bodenhamer explained, “We’re letting Shinnecock be Shinnecock in the lead-up to this event… we have been watering greens consistently to maintain turf health and playability.” The USGA further noted that green speeds would gradually increase over the weekend, allowing the course to revert to its traditional firmness once winds intensify.
Criticism and Fan Reaction to Course Conditions
A segment of the fan base described the watering as “taking the teeth out of Shinnecock” and labeled the setup the “slowest U.S. Open in 30 years.” Former champion Brooks Koepka remarked, “It’s just weird how soft the greens are.” Xander Schauffele warned that “over-par will win this tournament again” if conditions remain unusually gentle.
On-the-Ground Conditions and Delays
A dense coastal fog delayed play for two hours on Thursday morning, and darkness halted the round at approximately 8:30 p.m. after 16 holes. Wind gusts reached 30 mph in the early afternoon but eased as the sun set, creating markedly softer conditions for the late-day groups.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media outlets differ on the description of green speed: some characterize the setup as the “slowest in three decades,” while the USGA cites speeds in the high-10s, typical for a major. Additionally, while most sources agree the wind forecast was high, the actual wind subsided earlier than anticipated, a point not uniformly reported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everything was kind of clicking,” — Wyndham Clark, 2023 U.S. Open champion
- “I've gotten a lot of grief since last year, rightfully so.” — Wyndham Clark
- “If there's a course where you feel like you still have a chance if you're seven back going into the weekend like I am, it's definitely this one,” — Rory McIlroy
- “I think the last thing that they wanted was having balls blowing off greens,” — Scottie Scheffler
- “It’s just weird how soft the greens are,” — Brooks Koepka
What’s Next: Weekend Outlook
The USGA plans to reduce watering and allow the greens to firm as winds pick up, potentially raising scores. Clark must defend a four-stroke cushion against a field that includes Schauffele, Fitzpatrick, and Morikawa, all of whom have demonstrated the ability to post low rounds under tougher conditions. The weekend will test whether the early softness was a temporary advantage or a lasting factor in the championship.
