For much of a Thursday that offered a harsh reminder of Shinnecock Hills’ capacity for chaos, the US Open leaderboard was as congested as County Road 39 at the start of a Hamptons weekend, a gridlocked mass of contenders separated by little more than one or two shots. Then Wyndham Clark found another gear, roaring clear of the traffic to open a shocking four-stroke lead before darkness brought the first round to a halt.
Clark, the 2023 champion, was six under par through 16 holes when the horn blew and play was suspended at 8.25pm, holding a commanding advantage over a chasing group at two under that included the clubhouse leader, Sam Stevens. Six other players were also at two under, four of whom had holes remaining. Nine more – including the Masters champion, Rory McIlroy – sat at one under.
