Oregon's Wyndham Clark takes commanding lead in first day of U.S. Open

Play was suspended on Thursday before the first round of the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Long Island, New York, but enough golf was played for it to be clear that former Oregon Duck Wyndham Clark might be the man to beat this weekend.

>The horn blew on Thursday night before Clark could finish his final two holes of the opening round, but not before he could race out to a commanding four-shot lead, sitting at six-under through 16 holes. There are seven players currently sitting in second place behind Clark, three of whom have completed their first round.

>For those who have followed the lead-up to the tournament, it doesn't come as a major surprise that the first round had to be suspended, as inclement weather was expected to delay play at some point during the day — play was suspended early due to fog. However, the timing of the weather is what has surprised many.

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This group is absolutely sizzling!

Wyndham Clark leaves himself a KICK IN EAGLE at 5. pic.twitter.com/pIjwRWHNUb

— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 18, 2026There was a notion before the tournament that golfers with an early tee time on Thursday would be at an advantage, as 30-40 MPH wind gusts were expected in the afternoon, punishing the second wave of players. However, those gusts never came, and Clark — who teed off at 3:36 p.m. ET — was able to take advantage of the placid conditions late in the day.

>The former Oregon star's Friday will be long, starting bright and early with a 6:35 a.m. ET resumption of play. He then will turn right around and start his second round, which is currently scheduled for a 7:56 a.m. tee time.

>The narrative going into the major championship was that a score around one- or two-under par would likely be enough to win the tournament. If Clark can manage a couple of pars to start his Friday and close out Round 1 with a 64, that could very well be enough to get him into Position A to grab his second career major title.

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>This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon Duck Wyndham Clark soars to early lead at 126th U.S. Open