Dense fog at Pinehurst No. 2 forced a suspension of play during Thursday’s opening round of the 124th U.S. Open, leaving a significant portion of the field to complete their first rounds on Friday morning. According to the United States Golf Association (USGA), the delay lasted over two hours, creating a condensed schedule that requires players to finish their opening 18 holes before immediately transitioning into their second-round tee times.
How the Weather Delay Affects the Tournament Schedule
The suspension of play on Thursday morning pushed back tee times across the board, disrupting the rhythm of the field. Players who were unable to finish their first round on Thursday are scheduled to return to the course at 6:35 a.m. ET on Friday.
The USGA confirmed that second-round tee times have been shifted to accommodate the backlog. While the original schedule aimed for a standard flow, the morning wave now faces a grueling turnaround. According to tournament officials, players finishing their final holes on Friday morning will head directly to their assigned starting tees, with a 15-minute buffer built into the revised schedule compared to initial projections.
Who Is Leading the Field?
Despite the disruption, several marquee groups managed to navigate the course effectively. Wyndham Clark, Dustin Johnson, and Gary Woodland emerged as a high-performing featured group. As of the suspension, the trio stood at a combined 10-under par.
According to official U.S. Open leaderboard data, Clark maintained a strong position near the top of the standings. Johnson and Woodland, both holding birdie putts on the 7th green when play was halted, were positioned to reach 3-under par, keeping them within striking distance of the early leaders.
Friday’s Strategic Challenges
The primary challenge for the field on Friday is the transition between the completion of the first round and the start of the second. Players like Matt Fitzpatrick, Bryson DeChambeau, and Viktor Hovland must finish their remaining holes on Friday morning before beginning their second rounds from the 1st tee at 7:45 a.m. ET.
The afternoon wave on Thursday benefited from calmer wind conditions as the day progressed, a factor that may have contributed to lower scores. Whether this "wave advantage" persists into Friday remains a point of focus for analysts. The USGA reports that afternoon groups, including Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, and Tommy Fleetwood, will tee off at 2:02 p.m. ET, looking to capitalize on any potential stabilization in the weather.
Key Facts for Spectators
- Restart Time: Play resumes at 6:35 a.m. ET on Friday for those who did not complete their first round.
- Broadcast Information: Fans can follow the updated pairings and live coverage through the official USGA broadcast partners.
- Format: The tournament remains a 72-hole stroke play event, with a cut scheduled following the completion of the second round on Friday evening.
Scottie Scheffler, entering the tournament as a favorite, faces pressure to regain momentum after an opening round of 72. He is slated to begin his second round off the 10th tee at 2:24 p.m. ET, aiming to move back into contention for the career grand slam.