US Open 2026: Rory McIlroy starts strongly as Shinnecock Hills bares its teeth

The 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills began with challenging, windy conditions that caused significant scoring difficulties for early starters. Wyndham Clark leads the field, while notable players like Rory McIlroy remain in contention despite the tough weather.
Why it matters
The US Open is a major sporting event, and the performance of top golfers under difficult conditions is a significant narrative in the professional sports world.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The gusty conditons removed Rory McIlroy s cap on the 13th hole
Sports reporting is inherently neutral and focused on factual event outcomes.
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