A dense fog delay created a significant backlog at the US Open, with play suspended for darkness on Thursday leaving a third of the field yet to complete their first round at Shinnecock Hills. Only 100 of the 156 competitors finished, presenting a major logistical challenge for tournament officials.
The disruption leaves a fractured leaderboard. Former champion Wyndham Clark took full advantage of calmer afternoon conditions, reaching six-under par with two holes remaining to build a four-shot on-course lead. Speaking after play was called, Clark acknowledged his good fortune. “‘Everything was kind of clicking. ‘We were definitely fortunate with the wind laying down. Overall a good round.'”
While Clark sits comfortably ahead, the official clubhouse lead is shared at two-under par by the trio of Sam Stevens, US amateur Ryder Cowan, and Max McGreavy. Several notable players were also unable to finish but remain in contention, including Matt Fitzpatrick, Dustin Johnson, and Jon Rahm, who are all at two-under par with holes still to play. Bryson DeChambeau is one shot further back.
Rory McIlroy successfully navigated the worst of the weather to post a one-under 69, despite finishing with consecutive bogeys. He stressed the importance of managing the difficult conditions. “‘With the conditions today, anything under par or anything around even par is a good score,'” McIlroy stated. “‘It was a day to really just keep yourself in the tournament and not shoot yourself out of it, which is exactly what I did eight years ago here.'” World number one Scottie Scheffler faces an uphill battle after carding a two-over-par 72.
