Wyndham Clark sits comfortably at the top after two rounds at the U.S. Open. The 2022 U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick is behind him, and he had his say on Clark’s lead.

By carding a one-under-par 69 in the second round, Clark held a four-shot clubhouse ‌lead over England's Matt Fitzpatrick and fellow American Xander Schauffele. 

“Yeah, there's obviously that, where at the same time, you'd always like a -- I don't know what he's got, a three, four-shot lead. That sounds much nicer than being four behind, I will say that,” said Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick was three strokes off Clark at the end of the first round. However, after an even-par 70 from the Englishman, Clark's lead extended by one.

Clark registered back-to-back bogeys on Friday at the 11th and 12th holes. He came back with birdies on the 16th and the final hole.

“Yeah, like you say, I feel like it's a golf course that can beat you up pretty quickly. You have to stay patient, but you know, if you are chasing, you can't really afford too many mistakes if you're that many behind, so…” said Fitzpatrick.

Clark sits at 7-under whereas Fitzpatrick is at 3-under.

Heading into the weekend, the Englishman has a clear strategy in his mind to chase down Clark.

Fitzpatrick’s strategy heading into the weekend

Fitzpatrick will have his eyes on the leaderboard as he chases down Clark on Saturday. 

“Yeah, I mean, you've always got one eye on where you are on the leaderboard. I do, anyway. So for me, I want to figure out where I'm at and whether things need to change,” said Fitzpatrick.

The 31-year-old has three wins on the PGA Tour this season. Thus, Fitzpatrick does know a thing or two about closing off tournaments on a high note. However, the U.S. Open offers a different challenge.

“For the most part at a U.S. Open, it's not like you can go flag hunting. I will say some of these greens with where they have to put the pins, you have a little bit more of a chance because most of them have to be pretty central just because of how slopy the greens are,” Fitzpatrick added.

Fitzpatrick will hope to add on to his 2022 U.S. Open win at the weekend.

Clark has been in fine form at Shinnecock Hills, but the Englishman will look to get close to him on moving day.

Do you think Fitzpatrick will be able to catch up to Clark? Share your opinions in the comments.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar