Dustin Johnson climbs into contention at US Open with four straight birdies
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 1:20 AM
Last updated Jun 19, 2026
Dustin Johnson surged to a tie for the lead during the first round of the U.S. Open in Southampton, N.Y., on June 19, 2026, making four consecutive birdies. However, a missed birdie and three-putt for double-bogey dropped him back, leaving him four shots behind leader Wyndham Clark when play was suspended due to darkness. Johnson, who is competing in a major for the first time in three years, will return to finish his round with a birdie chance on the par-3 seventh hole. This event is significant as Johnson's exemption for the U.S. Open expires after this year.
- •Johnson shot four straight birdies before a double-bogey on hole six.
- •He ended the round in a tie for second, four shots behind Clark.
- •The first round was suspended due to darkness.
- •Johnson's U.S. Open exemption expires after this year.
- •This is Johnson's first substantial major contention since 2020.
- 5:27 PMYahoo Sports — U.S. Open: Dustin Johnson returned to the top, then vanished at Shinnecock
- 1:20 AMYahoo Sports — Dustin Johnson turns back the clock and enjoys a golden hour at the US Open to climb into contention
"Just as quickly, he looked like the same sort of mystery he's been since leaving the PGA Tour four years ago. Four straight birdies over those four holes briefly put the captain of LIV Golf's Aces team in a tie for the lead at the U.S. Open. Then, a missed opportunity on the par-5 fifth and a sloppy three-putt for double-bogey on No. 6 dropped him four shots behind Wyndham Clark when the first round was suspended because of darkness.
"Dustin Johnson seemingly turned back the clock, getting himself in contention, until disaster struck.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 19, 2026, 5:27 PMU.S. Open: Dustin Johnson returned to the top, then vanished at Shinnecock
Dustin Johnson seemingly turned back the clock, getting himself in contention, until disaster struck.
- Yahoo SportsJun 19, 2026, 1:20 AMDustin Johnson turns back the clock and enjoys a golden hour at the US Open to climb into contention
Just as quickly, he looked like the same sort of mystery he's been since leaving the PGA Tour four years ago. Four straight birdies over those four holes briefly put the captain of LIV Golf's Aces team in a tie for the lead at the U.S. Open. Then, a missed opportunity on the par-5 fifth and a sloppy three-putt for double-bogey on No. 6 dropped him four shots behind Wyndham Clark when the first round was suspended because of darkness.
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