Wyndham Clark's U.S. Open redemption includes Shinnecock 36-hole record

What a difference a year makes for Wyndham Clark at the U.S. Open. 

Clark not only finds himself atop the leaderboard following a second-round 69 on Friday, but he also managed to set a 36-hole U.S. Open record at Shinnecock.

His 133, seven-under through the first two rounds, is the lowest 36-hole total for any U.S. Open previously at the course, and has given him a commanding lead going into the weekend.

He entered the week hoping to just shoot even par through the first two rounds to give himself a second U.S. Open title. 

He has more than accomplished that goal.

It's also a complete 180 from his U.S. Open experience a year ago at Oakmont.

Wyndham Clark is having a much better start to this year's U.S. Open

Clark's experience at Oakmont in 2025 not only saw him fail to make the cut after shooting eight over through the first two rounds, but he also brought major criticism and negative press onto himself for damaging the locker room. Oakmont banned him from the club.

Clark acknowledged that experience on Friday, from ESPN.

"I've gotten a lot of grief since last year, rightfully so. The thing that's unfortunate is that's not who I am, what happened last year," Clark said. "I'm hoping I can win back the fans that I had or some new fans, because it was a terrible incident."

Clark won the 2023 U.S. Open and has put himself into a good position to at least compete for this year's title. 

His Friday round, a 69 that was one-under par, was not quite as clean or crisp as his Thursday's 64, but it was still enough to extend his lead.

He finished the second round with a 40-foot putt for birdie to put him at seven-under.