Wyndham Clark Leads 2026 U.S. Open After Strong First Two Rounds
Defending champion Wyndham Clark holds a four-stroke lead entering the third round of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, while challenging conditions and a shifting wind affect the field.
Defending champion Wyndham Clark entered the third round of the 2026 U.S. Open with a four-stroke advantage, sitting at 7 under par after posting a record-setting 36-hole total for the tournament. Clark, the 2023 champion, tees off late in the afternoon, paired with 2022 champion Matt Fitzpatrick at 3:45 p.m. ET.
The field faces difficult conditions as a strong wind blows across Shinnecock Hills, influencing which holes are attackable. Players such as Michael Kim have taken advantage of down-wind holes, carding a three-under 32 on the front nine, while others, including amateurs Jackson Koivun and James Nicholas, have struggled with the gusts, resulting in higher scores.
The USGA is making final adjustments to the course, including light watering of the 17th green, to balance playability with the challenging wind. The cut line this week required a score of 4 over par or better, eliminating several top players, including Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm.
Round-three tee times feature several leading contenders. Rory McIlroy and Maverick McNealy tee off at 2:12 p.m., followed by Scottie Scheffler and Brian Harman at 2:01 p.m., with Xander Schauffele and Sam Stevens set for the penultimate pairing at 3:34 p.m. The leaderboard remains tightly packed behind Clark as players adapt to the evolving conditions.
