Let's dive into the captivating world of the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where the second round has just concluded, leaving us with a thrilling mix of storylines and surprises. Personally, I think this tournament has all the makings of a classic, and I'm excited to share my insights and opinions on what's unfolding.
The Early Storylines
While the U.S. Open hasn't reached its notorious peak of brutality just yet, we've already witnessed some intriguing developments. Ten players are under par, which is a notable improvement from 2018 but still fewer than in 2004. A past champion has established a solid lead, but the competition is fierce, with several accomplished players hot on their trail.
Wyndham Clark's Dominant Start
One player who's making waves is Wyndham Clark. He's currently leading the pack at 7 under par, a remarkable achievement considering this is his first outright 36-hole lead in a major championship. Clark's ball-striking has been exceptional, ranking among the top players in strokes gained tee to green and approach shots. His performance is even more impressive when you consider his recent form, where he's been on fire, gaining more than a stroke and a half per round on the putting green.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the historical context. Clark is the sixth player in the last 80 years to lead the U.S. Open by multiple strokes after the first two rounds, and four of the previous five went on to win. It's a testament to his skill and a sign that we might be witnessing the birth of a new champion.
Fitzpatrick and the Final Pairing
Playing alongside Clark in the final pairing is Matt Fitzpatrick, the U.S. Open champion from 2022. This marks the first time since 2012 that past U.S. Open champions have been paired together on Saturday at this prestigious event. Fitzpatrick, an Englishman, showcased his brilliance around the green, picking up strokes on his approach shots. He's already a two-time USGA champion, having won the Amateur in 2013 and the Open in 2022. If he were to win this year, Fitzpatrick would be the first player from outside the United States to achieve this feat.
Schauffele and the Streak
Another player to watch is Xander Schauffele, a two-time major champion. Schauffele has an impressive record at the U.S. Open, finishing in the top 15 in all nine of his starts. In the last 80 years, only Jack Nicklaus has achieved a similar streak, and he went on to win two U.S. Open titles during that run. Is Schauffele poised to follow in Nicklaus' footsteps and claim his first U.S. Open title this week?
Young Talent and Statistical Oddities
The tournament also features some exciting young talent, like Tom Kim, who is beginning to build an impressive resume at the U.S. Open. Kim has more birdies or better than all but two players since his debut in 2022. Another standout is Sam Stevens, who finds himself in uncharted territory, having never been in the top five entering the weekend of a major championship.
One of the most intriguing stories is that of Miles Russell, a 17-year-old amateur who made the cut at Shinnecock. Russell is a two-time AJGA Player of the Year and is currently ranked seventh in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. He's the second-youngest player in the last 80 years to make the cut at the U.S. Open, a remarkable achievement for someone so young.
LIV Golf's Stars Struggle
The second round was disappointing for the stars of LIV Golf, particularly Bryson DeChambeau, who lost more than three strokes putting after gaining a similar advantage on the greens in the first round. DeChambeau's struggles have led to him missing the cut in all three majors this year, a first in his career. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm, who was bogey-free on Thursday, suffered a shocking free fall on Friday, making multiple bogeys and a double-bogey to miss the cut.
Looking Ahead
As we head into the weekend, the competition is heating up. The late-early tee times have produced a slightly higher scoring average, but the players under par are evenly split across both groups. History suggests that the eventual champion will likely be in the top 10 after two rounds, and with four modern U.S. Opens at Shinnecock Hills resulting in the winner being at least two shots off the lead after 36 holes, we can expect a tight race to the finish.
In my opinion, this U.S. Open has all the ingredients for an unforgettable weekend of golf. With a mix of experienced champions, rising stars, and unexpected storylines, it's anyone's game. I can't wait to see how it unfolds and who emerges as the champion.
