2026 U.S. Open: Brutal Shinnecock Cut Claims DeChambeau, Rahm as Clark Sets Record

Shinnecock Hills lived up to its reputation as one of the most punishing setups in major championship golf during the second round of the 2026 U.S. Open. As windy conditions swept across the Southampton, New York course, the field struggled to keep pace with the traditionally grueling setup. By the time Friday's action concluded, the 36-hole cut line settled at +4, leaving a trail of high-profile casualties in its wake.

Former Champions Fail to Tame Shinnecock

The weekend field will be missing some of the sport's biggest draws, particularly from the LIV Golf contingent. Bryson DeChambeau, who captured the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, was unable to find his form on Friday and missed the cut. Looking ahead to the next major on the calendar, DeChambeau is priced at +2800 (BetMGM). He was joined on the sidelines by 2021 U.S. Open champion Jon Rahm, whose second-round struggles cemented an early exit. Rahm's current price for the upcoming Open Championship is +1800 (FanDuel).

Perhaps the most surprising departure was Brooks Koepka. The two-time U.S. Open champion won the title the last time it was hosted at Shinnecock Hills in 2018, but his past success on this layout could not save him from the +4 cut line. Koepka's odds for the next major stand at +6500 (DraftKings). In total, 11 highly notable or surprising players failed to qualify for the final two rounds, completely reshaping the weekend's betting landscape.

Clark Sets the Pace

In stark contrast to the struggles of the field, 2023 U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark put on a masterclass. Clark navigated the windy Southampton layout with ease, shooting a remarkable 7-under par over the first two days. This performance set a new 36-hole record for the best U.S. Open score at Shinnecock Hills. Clark heads into Saturday's third round holding a comfortable four-stroke lead over his nearest competitors, establishing himself as the heavy favorite at -227 (DraftKings) to secure his second U.S. Open title.

With heavyweights like DeChambeau, Rahm, and Koepka out of the running, the chasing pack faces a steep mountain to climb to catch Clark. The record-setting leader has put the rest of the field on notice, turning what was expected to be a tight weekend battle into a chase pack trying to hunt down a runaway leader on one of golf's most demanding stages.