Updated

Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18

Dustin Johnson, Wyndham Clark Lead US Open at 4 Under as Jon Rahm Stays Bogey-Free

Updated

Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18

Dustin Johnson, Wyndham Clark Lead US Open at 4 Under as Jon Rahm Stays Bogey-Free

Q: Can Sam Stevens' elite driving overcome his putting flaws on Shinnecock's notoriously treacherous greens?

Probably not over four rounds unless his putter holds up better than it usually does. Stevens has put himself in front at Shinnecock with a two-under 68, and his profile does fit part of what this course demands. He is a strong driver by PGA Tour standards, ranking roughly in the mid-30s in distance and around the mid-40s in strokes gained off the tee this season. On a 7,440-yard U.S. Open setup, that can be a real advantage, especially if it leaves shorter approaches into firm greens. But Shinnecock has never been a place where driving alone is enough. Its reputation is built on severe, wind-exposed greens and exacting second shots. Historically, only a handful of players have finished under par in U.S. Opens here, and past editions have shown how quickly the surfaces can punish even slight misses in speed or line. That is the concern for Stevens. His season-long putting numbers are weak, around 120th on Tour in strokes gained putting, and that is the kind of flaw Shinnecock tends to expose rather than hide. If he keeps hitting fairways and controls his approaches well enough to stay below the hole, he can limit the damage and remain a factor. His opening round suggests that is possible. Still, the safer read is that Stevens’ driving can keep him in contention, but it is unlikely by itself to overcome below-average putting on these greens. To stay near the top, he will need an above-his-norm week with the putter, not just elite work off the tee.

3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 18

Dustin Johnson and Wyndham Clark moved to 4 under through 13 holes to share the first-round lead at Shinnecock Hills, overtaking early clubhouse leader Sam Stevens.
Jon Rahm reached 2 under through 11 without a bogey, highlighted by a bunker shot that set up a four-foot birdie putt, while Matthew Fitzpatrick also sat at 2 under through 13.
Rory McIlroy opened with a 1-under 69, joining Ludvig Aaberg, Brian Harman and others one shot below par as the late wave continued to shape the leaderboard.
Several top names were already over par, including Scottie Scheffler at 2 over, Brooks Koepka at 3 over and Viktor Hovland at 5 over, underscoring Shinnecock's early difficulty.
The $21.5 million major runs through June 21 on Shinnecock Hills' 7,440-yard, par-70 layout, where the opening round produced wide score swings across the field.