Sam Stevens Surprises at Shinnecock with Strong Start in U.S. Open

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. – As the sun set on Thursday at Shinnecock Hills, the leaderboard for the U.S. Open showcased familiar names like Wyndham Clark, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jon Rahm, and Rory McIlroy, but it also featured a surprising contender: Sam Stevens. Tied for second place after shooting a 2-under 68, Stevens seemed an unlikely match for such elite company, especially given his recent struggles.

The 29-year-old golfer, who previously played for Oklahoma State's 2018 NCAA Championship team, has faced challenges this season, including a disappointing performance at the Memorial Tournament, where he failed to make the cut and ranked poorly against the field. Acknowledging his recent "crappy attitude," Stevens took a break before the U.S. Open, spending time with his family in Wichita, Kansas, to reset both mentally and emotionally.

Things started off rocky for Stevens on Thursday, as he double-bogeyed his first hole after a fog delay interrupted his game. However, he quickly found his rhythm, finishing the remaining holes with six birdies and a total of 4-under par. Reflecting on his initial struggles, he said, “Weird start,” but added that making a birdie on the very next hole helped him regain his focus.

While the USGA anticipated challenging conditions, including wind gusts of up to 40 mph, the course played softer than expected due to the fog. Rory McIlroy, who finished the round with a 69, described the setup as “prudent,” while Brooks Koepka, the 2018 champion, found the conditions unusual, stating, “It’s just weird how soft the greens are.”

As the first round progressed, the course became more manageable, with many players capitalizing on the calmer conditions. Among those under par were Clark, Fitzpatrick, Rahm, and Dustin Johnson, all of whom still had holes left to complete. Clark, who has recently regained his competitive edge, led the pack at 6 under with a significant stretch of birdies and an eagle, positioning him as a strong contender for the championship.

Reflecting on his past challenges, Clark stated, “That was a really challenging time and something I've deeply regretted.” With a chance at redemption, both he and Stevens are eager to capitalize on their promising starts as the tournament continues.