Clark Commands Lead as Weather Impacts Top Contenders
Wyndham Clark, the 2023 champion, has taken a commanding four-shot lead at the US Open after two rounds, navigating the challenging conditions at Shinnecock Hills effectively. His performance stands out, particularly as world number one and two, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, finished the second round seven strokes behind Clark, both at level par for the championship.
The weather, specifically gusting winds, played a pivotal role in the scoring. Scheffler described the wind as the "biggest challenge," and McIlroy noted that his side of the draw experienced the "windiest conditions," which was reflected in their scores. The scoring average varied significantly, with Friday's early starters, including Clark, benefiting from more benign conditions compared to those who played later on Friday or earlier on Thursday.
Impact of Conditions and Player Performances
Clark, who recorded an opening 64 and a second-round 69, was among the players who took advantage of the calmer weather. England's Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open winner, is among Clark's closest pursuers at three under par after a round of 70, also benefiting from the more favorable draw. Two-time major champion Xander Schauffele, South Korea's Tom Kim, and America's Sam Stevens are also tied for second place at three under.
Despite the wind's influence, it wasn't the sole factor for all players. McIlroy, for instance, initially reached three under par with two early birdies but was derailed on his back nine by a combination of misexecuted shots and increasing winds, leading to a double-bogey and several bogeys.
Scheffler, while hitting many fairways and greens, struggled with his putting, ranking 61st in strokes gained on the greens. He expressed the difficulty of judging putting speed and pitch in the strong winds. His compatriot, Alex Fitzpatrick, Matt Fitzpatrick's brother, is also at level par on his US Open debut, while Aaron Rai, Justin Rose, and Ludvig Aberg are at one over.
Clark's Path to Redemption
Wyndham Clark's strong showing at the US Open comes after a period where he aims to restore his reputation. Following an incident last year at Oakmont where he missed the US Open cut and subsequently broke a locker, leading to a ban and anger management therapy, Clark is now in a position for public redemption on the course.
Clark reflected on the past incident, stating, "The thing that's unfortunate is that that's not who I am, what happened last year." He hopes to win back fans and demonstrate his competitive spirit and respect for the game. He also noted that despite not feeling his best, he still held the lead, expressing optimism for his performance over the weekend.
The past six halfway leaders at the US Open have not gone on to win the title, offering a glimmer of hope for those chasing Clark. Shinnecock Hills is known for its difficulty, where fortunes can change rapidly, as demonstrated by former champion Dustin Johnson's quadruple-bogey on the 15th hole.
Source: Clark in control of US Open as wind derails McIlroy and Scheffler