Wyndham Clark has tamed treacherous Shinnecock Hills to earn himself a huge opportunity to win a second US Open crown.
The 2023 champion opened up a four-stroke lead before the weather-marred first round was suspended under darkness on New York's Long Island.
As milestone-man Adam Scott led a disappointing Australian challenge, Clark cashed in on surprisingly easier afternoon conditions to surge to six under through 16 holes.
A two-hour fog delay kept the field waiting on Thursday before Scott ground out a three-over-par 73, in his 100th consecutive major championship.
The former world No.1 found himself nine shots off the pace after Clark burst from the pack with an eagle and two birdies in a brilliant back-nine stretch.
Clark will return early on Friday (Saturday AEST) looking to retain the first-round lead and potentially break the four-under first-round record at the famed Southampton layout.
