SOUTHAMPTON, New York — Wyndham Clark carried a commanding three-shot lead into the early stages of Friday’s second round at the U.S. Open, held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Pre-tournament favorites Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, both scheduled as late starters, have significant ground to make up if they hope to contend for the title.
Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, had been sitting at six-under with just two holes remaining in his first round when play was called due to darkness Thursday evening. He returned Friday morning to complete those holes with back-to-back pars, then launched his second round two strokes ahead of the pack. Through his first five holes of round two, Clark was even par.
Playing alongside Clark, former major champion Dustin Johnson of LIV Golf dropped a shot on the third hole and found himself three strokes behind, tied for second place. He shared that spot with 2022 U.S. Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick, who was even par through six holes, and Max McGreevy, sitting one under through nine holes.
Spanish golfer Jon Rahm had been in a share of fifth place entering round two, four shots off the lead, after completing the first bogey-free round of his 33-round U.S. Open career. However, an early bogey in the second round pushed him further down the leaderboard.
World number one Scheffler, who is pursuing his first career Grand Slam — a feat requiring wins in all four of golf’s major championships — sits eight shots behind Clark. He was set to begin his round at 2:24 p.m. Eastern time from the 10th tee.
Reigning Masters champion McIlroy, who finished the first round five strokes off the pace, was scheduled to tee off from the first hole at 2:02 p.m. Eastern time.
The tournament’s opening round was disrupted by a two-hour fog delay early Thursday, and play was eventually halted by darkness with 50 competitors still unable to finish their rounds.
