Clark in control of US Open as wind derails McIlroy and Scheffler

Wyndham Clark of the United States holds a commanding four-shot lead at the US Open after shooting a second-round 69 to follow up his opening 64, putting him at seven under par. The 2023 champion is seeking redemption after last year's incident where he smashed a locker after missing the cut, leading to a ban from the club until he completed anger management therapy.

Strong winds at Shinnecock Hills in New York state disrupted many players, particularly those in the later draw. World number one Scottie Scheffler called the gusts "the biggest challenge", especially on greens, while number two Rory McIlroy noted that their side of the draw faced the worst conditions. Both are at level par, seven strokes behind Clark.

England's Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open winner, is among the closest challengers at three under, along with Tom Kim and Sam Stevens. Fitzpatrick also benefited from playing in calmer conditions.

McIlroy started strongly, reaching three under after eight holes, but then struggled with wedge shots and wind on the back nine, posting three consecutive bogeys. He recovered with two birdies but a double-bogey on the 15th left him at even par. "Even par going into the weekend isn't terrible," he said.

Scheffler, aiming for a career Grand Slam, hit 12 of 14 fairways but struggled with putting, ranking 61st in strokes gained on the green. He finished with a 68 but expressed frustration. Clark, meanwhile, remains calm and focused, having also recently played the "pantomime villain" at the RBC Canadian Open by wearing a USA hockey jersey.