Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Jun 19: Former champion Wyndham Clark surged into a four-shot lead after a weather-disrupted opening round of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, while Rory McIlroy made a steady start and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler remained in contention despite a challenging day.

Play on Thursday was affected by dense fog, which caused an early two-hour suspension, while strong winds made scoring difficult for much of the field. Only six players from the morning wave managed to finish under par.

Clark, the 2023 US Open champion, took full advantage of more favourable afternoon conditions to produce a brilliant round. The American reached the turn in four-under 32 and recovered from a bogey at the par-three second with consecutive birdies on the following two holes. He then eagled the par-five fifth after a superb approach shot.

At six-under par with two holes remaining, Clark's round was halted when play was suspended due to darkness at 8.25 pm local time. When play resumes on Friday morning, he will have an opportunity to equal the course record with a birdie and match the lowest round in men's major championship history with birdies on both remaining holes.

"Everything was clicking," Clark said after his round. "I got into a nice rhythm and made the most of the opportunities."

Sam Stevens set the early clubhouse target with a two-under 68, a score later matched by Max McGreevy and amateur Ryder Cowan. Former champions Matt Fitzpatrick, Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland and Jon Rahm were also among those tied for second place, although all had holes left to complete when play was halted.

McIlroy, seeking a second major title of the season, briefly held a share of the lead after an eagle at the fifth moved him to three under. However, late bogeys saw the Northern Irishman finish with a one-under 69.

"With the conditions today, anything under par or around even par is a good score," McIlroy said. "It was a day to keep yourself in the tournament and not shoot yourself out of it."

McIlroy's playing partner Ludvig Åberg also carded a one-under round, while England's Tommy Fleetwood finished level par.

World No. 1 Scheffler endured a tougher day, posting a two-over 72 to remain four shots behind the lead. Despite the score, the Masters champion felt satisfied with his effort given the demanding conditions.

"It was a really challenging day," Scheffler said. "Overall, it was a good battle."

Former US Open champion Brooks Koepka returned a three-over 73, while defending champion JJ Spaun struggled to an opening-round 77.

With several players yet to complete their first rounds, the tournament remains finely poised heading into Friday, when tee times have been pushed back by 15 minutes following Thursday's weather disruptions.