Preparing for the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills
The memories of the last U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in 2018 still feel fresh, even just a few years later. For those unaware, Zak Johnson famously mentioned back then that officials had essentially “lost the golf course,” arguing that the tournament had devolved into sheer luck. Then, there was Phil Mickelson, who, in a moment of sheer frustration, ran after his ball on the 13th hole to stop it from rolling off the green, making a putt while it was still moving. Not to forget, in 2004, play was halted to water the seventh green because the balls simply wouldn’t stay put.
This time around, the United States Golf Association (USGA) is doing everything possible to avoid a repeat of those fiascoes. Early Thursday morning, the tournament kicked off with hopes of a smoother experience.
“I have a lot of respect for this cathedral of the game and the great players,” said USGA Chief Championship Officer John Bodenhamer in Southampton. His vision seems clear: this event should shine a light on the players and the course, not the mishaps of the past.
As the first round approached, the focus was squarely on the course’s condition and the efforts to prevent previous issues from reoccurring. Bodenhamer shared insights into a comprehensive course management strategy, including plans to “inject” water into the grass during both morning and afternoon sessions on the first couple of days.
To facilitate this, tee times were shifted 10 minutes earlier than usual. Bodenhamer likened the watering technique to how grocery stores mist vegetables, noting how quickly the sun and ocean winds dry out the course. “We’ve been telling the players this is really important,” he said. “This should ensure a consistent playing experience whether it’s morning or afternoon.”
He continued, “It’s a common practice here at Shinnecock Hills. In fact, the club takes care of this every day. It’s just part of maintaining the turf.”
Rory McIlroy initially had his doubts about these watering strategies. “My first thought was, ‘That’s ridiculous, why would they do that?'” But, he admitted, once he understood the reasoning, it started to make sense, especially with winds on the rise.
USGA officials have braced for potentially challenging winds during the tournament. They’re forecasting speeds between 12 and 24 mph, with gusts likely surpassing 40 mph, particularly from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the first day.
Friday may not see the same wind intensity, but Saturday’s changing conditions from the west and northwest could present new challenges. Bodenhamer acknowledged this, noting, “On Saturday, we’ll have north and northwest winds blowing from back to front, which poses a concern.”
Nonetheless, Bodenhamer reassured that the USGA has accounted for every variable that nature might throw their way. “We’ve really thought through our plans this year,” he said. “Looking back at 2018 has taught us a lot. We’re approaching this week in a relaxed manner instead of frantically preparing the course as we did before.”
As the week progresses, he anticipates that players will notice notable improvements in the course’s condition. “By mid-week, we expect to achieve solid and speedy greens, culminating in the kind of challenge that the U.S. Open represents. That’s what the players have come to expect,” he concluded.
