
The fog first caused a long interruption, and the day ended prematurely due to darkness. In the lead is Wyndham Clark (pictured). Photo: AP
Clark best first day marked by fog
Former US Open champion Wyndham Clark was grateful for an hours-long fog delay that allowed him to take advantage of favorable conditions at Shinnecock Hills towards the end of the day to climb to the top at six under par after an imperfect first round. Play was interrupted by darkness two holes before the end of the opening day.
“The two-hour fog delay was very helpful and it was really nice to have the wind die down, so that definitely helped the last six, seven holes we played,” said Clark, winner of the 2023 US Open at Los Angeles Country Club.
There are seven golfers four strokes behind in second place, including four former champions – Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Gary Woodland and Dustin Johnson – and all will need to complete their rounds in the morning. Fifty golfers have yet to finish the opening round.
McIlroy did not shine on the first day
Winner of the Augusta Masters
Rory McIlroy has picked up another stroke from the challenging Shinnecock course and is tied for ninth this time.
Only the unknown American trio – Sam Stevens, Max McGreevy and amateur Ryder Cowan – managed to complete 68 rounds.


















