McIlroy Posts 69 at Shinnecock Hills, Five Shots Behind Clark

U.S. Open with a 1-under 69 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 18, 2026. He finished his round with consecutive bogeys on the final two holes yet remained pleased with the result.

McIlroy is five strokes behind Wyndham Clark, who stood at 6 under par with two holes remaining when play was suspended until Friday morning because of darkness. ESPN reported the score and the suspension. The round marked a clear improvement from McIlroy’s last appearance at Shinnecock Hills.

U.S. Open. U.S. Open at Oakmont.

U.S. Open in 2011 at Congressional Country Club. U.S. Opens, crediting a deliberate shift in preparation that began after he left Shinnecock that year.

“I remember feeling so much in my comfort zone going to [Travelers] and thinking to myself, ‘I’ve got this backwards,’” McIlroy said. ” On Thursday the changes were visible. McIlroy hit a 396-yard drive on the par-5 fifth hole and followed with a pitching wedge from 192 yards that set up an eagle.

73 strokes on the greens, tied for ninth after the round. “I think with the conditions today, anything under par or anything around even par is a good score,” McIlroy said. ” McIlroy described the adjustments he has made since 2018.

“Working on the things that you need to do well to excel at [majors], which is flighting the ball, hitting your numbers, wedge play, short game, putting,” he said. ” After 18 holes he is positioned to make the cut and to contend on Sunday.