USGA Slows U.S. Open Greens to 10.5 as 40-mph Gusts Threaten Shinnecock
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 17
USGA Slows U.S. Open Greens to 10.5 as 40-mph Gusts Threaten Shinnecock
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 17
Summary
10.5 Stimpmeter speeds, wind-adjusted hole locations and midday "syringing" will shape the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock, where the USGA said it has pulled "every lever" to keep conditions fair.
40-mph gusts are possible Thursday, with sustained winds of 12 to 24 mph expected for much of the day; Friday should be lighter, while a west-northwest shift Saturday creates fresh setup concerns.
30 extra minutes between morning and afternoon waves will come from tee times moved up by 10 minutes, giving officials time to lightly water greens that dry rapidly on Shinnecock's sandy coastal soil.
2004 and 2018 criticism still hangs over the venue after baked-out greens drew complaints, 28 players failed to break 80 on the 2004 Sunday, and Phil Mickelson hit a moving ball in frustration in 2018.
Brooks Koepka said the course already feels softer and the greens slower than in 2018, reflecting a USGA approach that eases conditions in early before building toward the weekend.