Wyndham Clark Dominates at Shinnecock Hills as Wind Stalls McIlroy and Scheffler
The winds of Shinnecock Hills became a formidable opponent as Wyndham Clark seized a commanding four-shot lead at the 2026 US Open after the second round. Clark, the reigning champion, showcased his skills with rounds of six-under 64 and 69, bringing his total to -7. Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open winner, and Xander Schauffele joined Clark's nearest challengers at -3, while Tom Kim and Sam Stevens managed to stay within striking distance at -3 as well. In contrast, the world's top players, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, finished the round at level par, struggling against the challenging gusts of wind. Wyndham Clark: -7 (64, 69) Matt Fitzpatrick: -3 (70) Xander Schauffele: -3 Tom Kim: -3 Rory McIlroy: E Scottie Scheffler: E The weather played a pivotal role, with Scheffler labeling the wind as the “biggest challenge,” while McIlroy expressed frustration with his side of the draw experiencing the most severe conditions. Despite his promising start, McIlroy's round unraveled on the back nine, where he faced three bogeys. Clark's performance marked a redemption arc after a tumultuous previous year, where he faced backlash for an incident at the Oakmont clubhouse. He expressed hope to regain fan support and emphasized his commitment to the game. As the tournament progresses, the history of the US Open suggests that halfway leaders often falter, raising the stakes for Clark. The course remains notoriously tough, with Dustin Johnson's past experience highlighting the potential for swift changes in fortune. As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Clark to see if he can maintain his lead amid the unpredictable challenges of Shinnecock Hills.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-20