Register at GOLF TOURNAMENT CONFIDENTIAL every Sunday night for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in sports. This week, with the US Open at Shinnecock, we’ll touch on a major topic each night.
A ton of stars are atop the leaderboard after one day at the US Open, although 50 players still have a few holes to play in their first round. Wyndham Clark leads the way at six under (up to 16), while marquee names such as Matt Fitzpatrick, Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland and Jon Rahm are both at two under, and Rory McIlroy and Ludvig Aberg at one under. Who do you trust the most (among these players or others), and who do you think you don’t?
Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh Berhow): Matt Fitzpatrick got off to a slow start but isn’t going anywhere. He’s hit a bunch of greens so far (12 of 16) and he’s doing well, and he’s a guy who’s favored in tough, US Open conditions. On the other hand, I don’t think DJ will stick around. He made a messy bogey on his final hole before the horn, and he just hasn’t played a major in a while. It would make for a much better tournament if he was in the mix, but recent results haven’t given me much optimism.
Sean Zak, senior writer (@sean_zak): People may not want to hear it, but the last time Wyndham Clark’s form was this good was … the summer of 2023, when he won the US Open. I think he will hit the ball around Shinny and stay in contention. It’s just a matter of how hot that putter can stay when those green speeds increase over the weekend.
Nick Piastowski, Senior Editor (@nickpia): Clark. He found something — a win last month at the Byron Nelson, a third earlier this month at the Memorial, a tie for 11th last week at the Canadian Open. Six-under here is seriously good golf, and I don’t see it going away. As for who fades, I think everyone’s going to say Ryder Cowan, the 21-year-old amateur – but I like the guy’s personality and hope we see a bit more of it.
Josh Sens, senior writer (@joshsens): I see all those players hanging around, except DJ, who will pale when he remembers that he’d rather be sunbathing on his yacht. I like Henley to stick around as well – straight hitter, great pitcher – and it’s not unreasonable to say that Scheffler will put himself in the mix.
Zephyr Melton, Associate Game Improvement Editor (@zephyrmelton): As much as I’d like to see DJ stick around, I just don’t see him sustaining this pace over four rounds. He hasn’t finished in the top 10 in a major since 2023, and he hasn’t won at LIV in over two years. As for who sticks around: I don’t think Rory, Rahm or Fitz are going anywhere. Even if the going gets rough, those guys are battle-tested enough to stay in the mix.
