Justin Thomas Says U.S. Open Practice Rounds Top 3 Hours for 9 Holes
Updated
Updated · golfchannel.com · Jun 15
Justin Thomas Says U.S. Open Practice Rounds Top 3 Hours for 9 Holes
3 articles · Updated · golfchannel.com · Jun 15
Summary
Justin Thomas said practice rounds at the U.S. Open and British Open have become so congested that nine holes can take more than three hours.
Too many players now arrive early, sign up in groups and treat practice rounds like extended range sessions, while large entourages inside the ropes further slow play, Thomas and Rory McIlroy said.
Players are increasingly countering that by scouting courses before official practice begins: Thomas and Jordan Spieth played over the weekend, while Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy and Jon Rahm all visited Shinnecock earlier.
That early-arrival strategy echoes Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods, who sought near-empty courses before major weeks; by Monday at Shinnecock, many players were doing only light work as strong wind previewed the test ahead.