Matt Fitzpatrick Prepares for U.S. Open Challenge at Shinnecock Hills

Matt Fitzpatrick seems unfazed by the challenges that lie ahead at Shinnecock Hills, the venue for this year’s U.S. Open. It almost feels like he took a jab at the course itself during his remarks.

On Monday, Fitzpatrick, along with many others in the tournament, braved windy and humid conditions during his first practice round at the iconic Long Island course. He expressed a preference for making the course tight and dry, suggesting, “let’s see where it takes us.”

His disappointment was evident when he spotted grounds staff watering the course—a sign that he’s eager for a real test, especially given his recent successes.

The 31-year-old arrives with commendable momentum, having performed well in his past nine tournaments. He has notched three PGA Tour victories this year, including a playoff win against Scottie Scheffler at the RBC Heritage. Additionally, he secured a second-place finish at both the Players Championship in March and the RBC Canadian Open just last weekend.

Fitzpatrick’s spirits are high as he approaches Long Island, noting, “It’s always nice to come here in some way. It’s been a great season so far.” He added, regarding his game, “My iron swing is a lot different than it has been in the past; that’s the biggest change from this year compared to previous years.” He’s confident that if his putting holds up, he can capitalize on his recent opportunities.

Reflecting on the stats this season, he mentioned, “We’ve been able to hit the ball closer, which is a positive compared to past performances where we had to lean on other facets of our game.”

No doubt, Shinnecock will provide its fair share of trials when Fitzpatrick tees off on Thursday, even if the conditions aren’t as dry as he’d prefer. The wind will play a significant role, especially given the course’s elevated position on Long Island’s South Fork, adding another layer of complexity to an already challenging layout.

On the windy practice day, the stakes were palpable; even the media tent’s tethers were shaking. Windham Clark, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, noted the difficulties posed by the wind and remarked that he had opted not to practice that day. He acknowledged that patience would be essential, joking, “I’m probably going to miss some putts that I would normally make.” He’s aware of the challenges Shinnecock presents and intends to remain composed.

Fitzpatrick resonates with Clark’s emphasis on patience. He finds a certain satisfaction in tackling difficult courses and acknowledges that his preparation is key. He joked about his disinterest in “birdiefests,” instead highlighting the need for gritty course management and skillful play amid tough conditions.

He concluded, “If you miss the green in the right places and do your homework, you have a chance to go up and down. For me, that’s enjoyable. I think this tournament should be about the precision and challenge that a tough course demands.”