They’ve taken the teeth out of Shinnecock Hills.
Or, at the very least, they’ve given her some dentures.
That’s the sentiment a majority of golf fans share after Thursday’s opening round of the 126th U.S. Open, which was suspended by darkness at around 8:30 p.m.
Yes. The USGA is under fire, again, in Southampton — eight years after the infamous 2018 U.S. Open, where I’m fairly certain Zach Johnson is somehow still complaining about the course.
2026 US OPEN TEE TIMES: MOST NOTABLE PAIRINGS FOR THE OPENING TWO ROUNDS AT SHINNECOCK HILLS
Before we dive into the anger, let’s give some context. It’s important, you know?
A tricky weather forecast this weekend at Shinnecock spooked the USGA. A combination of high winds and low humidity (particularly after today) forced them to play it safe ahead of the tournament. For example, the greens were slowed down before yesterday’s opening round.
I don’t feel like getting into the technical aspect of green management around a golf course — trust me, you don’t, either — so just know that this is the “slowest” U.S. Open in the past 30 years.
The real kicker? The folks at Shinnecock decided to “syringe” the greens between each round both yesterday and, presumably, today. “Syringe” is just a fancy term for “water the greens.” That’s essentially what it is. Why they don’t just call it that, I have no idea. Maybe they thought they’d fool the fans.
They … did not.
OK, are we all caught up now? Good!
Now, let’s see if those easily fooled golf fans noticed:
The US Open is supposed to bite back
Here’s the thing …
I understand why the USGA was gun-shy coming into this tournament. I do. They were accused of “losing the course” the last time this event was held here, and they weren’t going to let it happen again.
But here’s the biggest problem with yesterday’s cautious approach: It backfired, big time.
They watered the greens between the morning groups and afternoon groups in anticipation of high winds, and they never really came.
Shocker! The weatherman was wrong again. A tale as old as time.
So, already-soft greens were made even softer for the afternoon wave of players, and they absolutely manhandled Shinnecock. Just destroyed her. They did things to a U.S. Open golf course that should be illegal.
Wyndham Clark, in particular, was throwing darts all day. He currently leads at 6-under, which is a stark difference from the even-pars and 1-unders we saw in the morning.
The argument, of course, is that the U.S. Open is supposed to be the toughest challenge in golf. That’s what it’s always been billed as. That’s what this tournament is all about.
The best in the world going against the best, toughest, most challenging courses on the planet. In the best, toughest, most challenging conditions. And when the USGA starts to manipulate those conditions, things get … tricky. Fans get angry. You’re playing with fire, trusting a weather forecast. Again, never a good idea.
Golf course officials have already said they are sticking with their plan today, which makes sense. They have no choice.
The groups will flip when Round 2 begins at some point this morning, and those who played yesterday afternoon will play this morning. Those who fought through Thursday morning’s brutal conditions will now be in the afternoon, presumably after the greens get another mid-round bath.
They have to play it both ways today, and they will. It’s only fair. Dumb, but fair.
But tomorrow? Rip the dentures out and let the boys play. Make them play.
This is the U.S. Open. Not a member-guest.
Let Shinnecock bite back.
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