Dustin Johnson storms back at US Open, climbs into contention

**Dustin Johnson** surged back into the US Open hunt on Thursday, July 4, 2026, stringing four consecutive birdies to tie the lead before a double‑bogey dropped him to second place at 4‑under 66, just two strokes behind Wyndham Clark.

Johnson opened his round with a flawless 3½‑foot birdie putt on the par‑3 seventh. He then unleashed drives of 403 and 330 yards, powering his third and fourth birdies. The streak vaulted him into a seven‑way tie for the lead as twilight approached. A missed birdie on the par‑5 fifth and a three‑putt on the sixth handed him a double‑bogey, leaving him four shots back when play was suspended.

The 41‑year‑old former world No. 1 has not been in major contention for three years. His last top‑10 finish came at the 2023 US Open, and he has missed six cuts in 14 majors since joining LIV Golf. This performance shows his game is regaining the form that produced a 2016 US Open win and a 2020 Masters title, and it arrives as his ten‑year exemption to the US Open expires after this year.

When the first round concluded, Johnson sat alone in second place, two strokes behind Clark, who led at 6‑under. The seven‑way tie for second included other big names, but Johnson’s birdie burst set him apart. His 4‑under 66 puts him within striking distance, and a strong finish on Friday could see him challenge for the lead.

Johnson will tee off again on Friday paired with Clark, the defending champion. Their rivalry could push both players to lower scores. If Johnson can replicate his birdie run, he may force a playoff or even claim the title, a storyline that would mark his first major win since the 2020 Masters and a rare major victory for a LIV golfer.

While LIV teammates Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau have already captured majors, Johnson has been the outlier. His resurgence at Shinnecock suggests the LIV brand can still produce major contenders. The next round will test whether this golden hour was a flash of past brilliance or the start of a sustained comeback.