Tune in to GOLF’s Tour Confidential every Sunday night for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they analyze the hottest topics in the sport. This week, with the US Open at Shinnecock, we’ll hit one key topic each night.
A ton of stars are atop the leaderboard after one day at the US Open, although 50 players still have some holes to play to complete their first round. Wyndham Clark leads at six under (to 16), while marquee names such as Matt Fitzpatrick, Dustin Johnson, Gary Woodland and Jon Rahm are all under, with Rory McIlroy and Ludwig Aberg under. Who trusts you the most (among these players or others), and who do you think is not?
Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh Berhow): Matt Fitzpatrick is off to a slow start but is going nowhere. He’s hit a lot of greens so far (12 of 16) and he’s doing well, and he’s a favorite in the tough, US Open conditions. On the other hand, I don’t think DJ will stick around. He made a dirty double bogey on his final hole before the horn sounded, and hasn’t been in a major for a long time. It could make for a better tournament if there is one, but recent results haven’t given me much hope.
Sean Zak, senior author (@sean_zak): People may not like to hear it, but the last time Wyndham Clark’s form was this good was … in 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 the putter can stay when these green speeds are up all weekend.
Nick Piastowski, editor-in-chief (@nickpia): Clark. He’s got something – a win last month at Byron Nelson, a third earlier this month at the Memorial, a tie for 11th last week at the Canadian Open. Six-under here is very good golf, and I don’t see it going away. As for who disappears, I think everyone will say Ryder Cowan, a 21-year-old amateur – but I like the personality of the person, and I hope we will see more.
Josh Sens, senior author (@joshsens): I can see all those players stuck around except for DJ, who will faint when he remembers that he prefers to sunbathe on his boat. I like Henley to stay again – straight hitter, good putter – and it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Scheffler will put himself in the mix.
Zephyr Melton, game development editor (@zephyrmelton): As much as I’d like to see DJ stay the course, I don’t see him carrying this pace through four rounds. He hasn’t finished in the top 10 in a major since 2023, and hasn’t won at LIV in more than two years. As for who’s staying: I don’t think Rory, Rahm or Fitz are going anywhere. Even when the going gets tough, those guys are tested enough to stay together.
