As the best professional and amateur golfers in the world get ready to tee it up at the 126th U.S. Open, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club takes center stage. Shinnecock has played host to the U.S. Open six times, with a combined winning score-to-par of four-under, rendering it one of the toughest setups in the U.S. Open rotation.
Will Shinnecock Hills Bare Its Teeth And Live Up To Its Reputation?
Renowned as the most difficult test in golf, the U.S. Open’s return to Shinnecock is not without controversy. In fact, it was in 2004 that the USGA took the unprecedented step of watering several greens during the final round, as golf balls would not stay on the putting surfaces. Golfers who played those holes after the watering saw an average improvement of 2.8 strokes.
When the U.S. Open returned to Shinnecock in 2018, organizers were wary of a repeat performance, and perhaps they had reason to hit the panic button. Phil Mickelson’s bogey putt on 13 ran by the hole, and before it came to a complete stop, the three-time Masters champion hit it again. The unconventional move shocked both the audience and the announcers, who were left flabbergasted. Mickelson incurred a two-shot penalty and went on to shoot an 81 (+11).
So, what do the golf gods and the USGA have in store for the 2026 U.S. Open? With firm, fast conditions, thick rough, and the forecasted wind, Shinnecock is likely to have sharp teeth yet again. The course plays over 7,400 yards with greens that sit up and are exposed to the constant wind off the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound. The early forecast calls for sustained winds between 10 and 20mph. Winds off the ocean, however, could gust up to 35mph throughout the week, presenting a formidable challenge.
USGA officials will need to walk a tightrope between a difficult test of golf and one that could cross the line into unfair or even unplayable. How will they ensure it’s a fair challenge this time? The USGA has learned from its mistakes before and is likely to err on the side of caution when setting up the golf course. In 2018, the winning score was Brooks Koepka’s 281, which was one-over-par. Anything in the vicinity of level par would be a win for the USGA, but without a proper course setup for the conditions, scores – and tempers – could spiral out of control.
Over the years, the USGA has taken its fair share of justified criticism over how they prepare golf courses for its championships. No matter how the course is set up with pin positions, the length of rough, and other factors, the USGA can create the right conditions for a challenging yet fair test of golf. Fans want to see the best players in the world, from Scottie Scheffler to two-time Masters winner Rory McIlroy, challenged by the course, the conditions, and the pressure of the moment.
Whether the winning score is under par or over par, the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club promises to deliver an entertaining national championship.
