Wyndham Clark leads the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills after two rounds. His performance, including a six-under 64, stems from a swing rebuild initiated in September 2025. This work has addressed previous inconsistencies, positioning him strongly for the weekend.
Clark’s current form is a direct result of extensive work with coach Patrick Coyner. They began their collaboration in September 2025, addressing several swing faults. Coyner noted Clark’s lead wrist had developed excessive extension, leading to a long backswing and an open clubface. This caused the shaft to steepen in transition, narrowing his swing and forcing compensations through impact. Coyner explained the impact of these mechanics, stating, “Being that tilted and that stuck, he couldn’t hit the shots that he was trying to hit.” This led to unpredictable misses and diminished confidence. The solution involved fundamental adjustments. “We really just regained some structure in his lead wrist. We shortened the arm swing, and we added a lot of width to it,” Coyner confirmed. These changes have improved Clark’s clubface control and ball flight.
Preparation for Shinnecock Hills also played a significant role in Clark’s strong start. The team focused on driving accuracy, refining alignment and start lines. They utilized practice rounds to analyze wind patterns and identify optimal landing zones, prioritizing areas where misses would leave manageable recovery shots. This detailed approach extended to short game. As Coyner noted, “Understanding how wind affects chips and pitches and putts is probably just as important as understanding how much it’s going to affect your full swings.” This comprehensive strategy ensured Clark arrived with a clear plan.
Clark’s current lead into the weekend reflects the success of this dedicated preparation and swing work. His coach observed a distinct mental state entering the tournament. “I think he showed up Thursday knowing that he was really comfortable, no matter what the course was going to throw at him,” Coyner said. This trust in his game and strategy has allowed Clark to execute under major championship pressure. Maintaining this disciplined approach will be crucial as the tournament progresses, impacting his final standing and world ranking movement.
