Cameron Young entered the US Open among the favorites given his superb efforts on the PGA Tour in 2026.
Young has two wins to his name this season, behind only the three of Matt Fitzpatrick, with 12/12 cuts made so far.
But he now finds himself in a tie for 49th at the US Open after a tricky first round, where many of his fellow top players also struggled in the difficult conditions.
Young carded a two-over 72 on Thursday at Shinnecock Hills, leaving him eight shots behind early leader Wyndham Clark.
And while he has every chance of making a quick recovery on day two of the US Open, he did experience big struggles in a particularly key area.
Cameron Young already struggling in one area at the US Open
Young can certainly take comfort from the fact that he is joined on two-over by several top players, including fellow Americans Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.
But he will likely be concerned about his putting.
Young recorded a Strokes Gained: Putting figure of -2.54, which ranks him among the worst players in the field in that area.
In stark contrast, Clark and Sepp Straka lead the way with their total of +4.
Moreover, Young’s average number of putts of 1.92 is also well off Preston Stout’s leading figure of 1.43.
It’s certainly nothing new for the world number three, who entered the US Open ranked 62nd for SG: Putting on the PGA Tour in 2026, as well as 85th for putting average.
Of course, the wind has made the greens at Shinnecock even more difficult, with Young certainly not the only player to have faltered with his putter on Thursday.
Cameron Young can take big positives at Shinnecock despite putting woes
While he hasn’t been performing with his putter, Young can take plenty of confidence from his efforts elsewhere.
Most notably, he’s ranked behind only Sahith Theegala in the entire field for his SG: Approach total of +2.94, while his SG: Tee-to-Green figure of 3.79 ranks him fifth.
There is, therefore, clearly plenty for the American to build on as he prepares for his second round alongside Brooks Koepka and Chris Gotterup in the afternoon wave.
First, however, leader Clark is one of 50 players who must return to Shinnecock early to finish their first rounds after they were suspended due to darkness.
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