All has not been quite as it seems at Shinnecock Hills and the 126th U.S. Open this week.Heading into the weekend, 10 players are under par with Wyndham Clark leading the way at a barely believable seven-under-par, four shots clear of the field.Rory McIlroy remains just about in touch after a rollercoaster second roundGettyWyndham Clark is chasing a second U.S. Open victoryGettyWith one of the toughest courses in the United States hosting the third major of the year, and weather conditions predicted to be difficult, not many were expected to make the weekend under par.But a high class field find themselves in contention to lift the trophy on Sunday after mastering the first couple of days.The course has still claimed its fair share of casualties, with two-time champion Bryson DeChambeau missing the cut at a third successive major for the first time in his career.And Jon Rahm also missing the weekend, after following an historic opening round of 68 that featured no bogeys with a second round 78, that featured seven bogeys a double bogey 7.View Tweet: https://t.co/RjOteVQpPOWith scoring lower than expected, many predicted the USGA to bounce back, and they wasted little time in doing so, with a message to players on Friday night.At the conclusion of the second round, three-time PGA Tour winner and 2025 Ryder Cup team member Ben Griffin revealed just what officials said.A simple 26-word statement was issued to fans, which Griffin posted to social media, along with the message ‘Golf Twitter’ should enjoy this.The message was a simple directive for the how the green would play at the weekend, with speed cranked up a notch to 11 on the stimpmeter.Coupled with sunny conditions, and the unknown factor of the breeze out on the Long Island peninsula, it should make for a more brutal weekend.Chile’s Joaquin Niemann has already felt the frustration, but recovered to make the cut despite recording an 11 following a two-stroke penalty for his conduct on Day 1.Jon Rahm’s second round was 10 shots worse than his opening round 68GettyBryson DeChambeau has missed the cut in all three major this yearGettyMany fans had been tuning in to see chaos and golf influencer Rick Golfs took to social media to instantly celebrate the news, anticipating a tougher test.“Let’s go!!!!” he posted to X.“The fans want carnage. Actually I just want to see the ball not spin backwards. A little release puts a huge value on spin control.“And par is a construct. Let the winner shoot +4. That doesn’t break golf.”Early signs were ominous on Saturday with Chris Gotterup among the early starters, and seeing his ball moving on the green due to the wind.Clark chasing ultimate redemption2023 U.S. Open champion Clark leads the way, one year on from famously smashing a locker at Oakmont.View Tweet: https://t.co/OFpNmLHfpOHis total of 133 has broken the 36-hole scoring record for a U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, and he will play alongside Matt Fitzpatrick, another former champion in the final round.“I really felt like I could be in double digits, but you know, the great thing about that is I didn’t feel like I had my best, and I still am leading as of right now,” Clark said after following his opening 64 with a 69.“Hopefully I can bring my A-game on the weekend.”Xander Schauffele, Sam Stevens and Tom Kim are alongside Fitzpatrick at -3, while Collin Morikawa moved into contention after a best of the day 65 in Friday’s scoreable early conditions.World No 1 Scottie Scheffler – chasing the career Grand Slam with what would be a first U.S. Open – and double Masters champion Rory McIlroy, chasing a second major of the year, were among those who suffered later in the day.Blustery conditions meant neither man was able to get a run going, a double bogey at 16 dropping McIlroy back to level par for the tournament.Scheffler fared a little better to join McIlroy at level par, after his second round 68.Both men are some seven shots back of Clark, but if chaos reigns, they could find themselves in the mix heading into Sunday.