Wyndham Clark seized control of the US Open with a four-shot lead after two rounds at Shinnecock Hills, while Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler struggled against the wind, finishing at level par for the championship. The weather was a central factor in the tournament’s early stages, with gusting conditions challenging top players.

Clark Seizes Control with Strong Start

Clark, the 2023 US Open champion, built a healthy four-shot lead, finishing at seven under par after 36 holes, while he followed his opening-round 64 with a 69, taking advantage of playing in more favorable conditions on Thursday and early Friday. His performance positioned him as the sole player in double digits at Shinnecock Hills, a site known for its challenging layout.

Clark’s lead was not without competition. England’s Matt Fitzpatrick. The 2022 champion. Was among the nearest challengers, finishing at three under after a 70, but Two-time major winner Xander Schauffele joined him on that score as well. However, the wind also affected other top players, with South Korea’s Tom Kim and American Sam Stevens also finishing four shots behind Clark and joining the group in second place.

Wind and Putts Disrupt McIlroy and Scheffler

Rory McIlroy described the wind as the biggest challenge in the tournament, noting that his side of the draw played in the windiest conditions. He started strongly with two birdies in his first eight holes but struggled on the back nine due to poorly executed shots and the strengthening wind. McIlroy ended at level par, seven shots behind Clark.

Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, also faced difficulties, particularly with his putting. He acknowledged the difficulty of judging speed on putts with the wind, which hindered his progress. Scheffler finished at level par as well, matching McIlroy’s score and remaining four shots behind Clark.

The conditions were not as extreme as on Thursday when gusts reached 40mph, but they were still enough to disrupt the top players. The scoring average shifted from 73.87 on Thursday morning to 71.97 for Friday’s early starters, highlighting the impact of the wind on performance.

Clark’s Redemption and the Road Ahead

Clark is aiming to redeem himself after a controversial incident at last year’s US Open, where he smashed a locker at Oakmont and was banned from the Pennsylvania club. Since then, he has undergone anger management therapy and paid for repairs. Now, he hopes to restore his reputation on the course, saying he wants to show fans that he is “fun and outgoing,” despite the incident.

Clark expressed confidence in his ability to lead the tournament over the weekend, stating, “I didn’t feel like I had my best, and I still am leading as of right now. Hopefully I can bring my A-game on the weekend.” His performance so far suggests he is in control, with his 33-foot birdie on the final hole securing his position as the first player to reach seven under at Shinnecock Hills in 36 holes.

While Clark holds a significant lead, past US Open history shows that halfway leaders often do not go on to win. The past six halfway leaders have not claimed the title, and this is one of the toughest courses in the world. Former champion Dustin Johnson experienced this firsthand when he posted an eight on the 15th hole during the 2018 US Open, a tournament won by Brooks Koepka.

Despite the challenges, Clark’s performance has given him a strong advantage, and he now appears to be in control of both his game and his emotions. He also demonstrated a playful side at last week’s RBC Canadian Open, wearing a USA hockey jersey to needle home fans — a move that showcased his competitive spirit.