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Shinnecock's Ruthless Greens Test U.S. Open Golfers
19 Jun
Summary
- Shinnecock Hills' steep slopes caused approach shots to roll off greens.
- Strong winds up to 30 mph tested golfers during the U.S. Open first round.
- USGA adjusted green speeds to a receptive 10.5-11 range to mitigate conditions.
Shinnecock Hills' notoriously challenging layout tested golfers on the opening day of the 126th U.S. Open. Steep inclines, such as the 45-yard slope leading to the 10th hole, caused approach shots to roll off the greens, sometimes far from their intended targets. This challenge was amplified by winds gusting up to 30 miles per hour, a condition the USGA anticipated.
To manage the difficult conditions, USGA officials implemented several precautions. Green speeds were intentionally kept in the 10.5 to 11 range on the stimp meter, a softer setting compared to previous U.S. Opens hosted at Shinnecock. This approach aimed to make the greens more receptive, preventing balls from uncontrollably bouncing or rolling off. Despite these measures, the course still presented a tough, though fair, test for the field.
Players like Scottie Scheffler noted that "good shots were going to get punished" on Thursday, reflecting the day's demanding nature. While many golfers were battered by the conditions, including notable challenges for players like Keith Mitchell and Cameron Smith, the overall setup was perceived as fair. The championship continues with the expectation that Shinnecock's full wrath may yet be revealed.
