U.S. Open Braces for 40 MPH Gusts at Shinnecock Hills as USGA Seeks Fairer Setup

Q: Can Scottie Scheffler complete his career Grand Slam on a course famous for its brutal difficulty and unpredictable conditions?

Yes—but only if he handles the weather better than everyone else. Scheffler is at Shinnecock Hills with a chance to complete the career Grand Slam, needing only the U.S. Open. On paper, he has the game for it: elite ball-striking, control under pressure, and the patience this course demands. He is also one of the tournament favorites. But Shinnecock is a severe test even for the world No. 1. Its defense is not just length or rough; it is the wind. Gusts near 40 mph, and at times stronger, can turn solid shots into bogeys by pushing drives into fescue and making approach shots and even putting surfaces unpredictable. Historically, only three players in the last four U.S. Opens here finished under par over 72 holes. The USGA has tried to avoid the excesses seen in 2004 and 2018 by slowing greens, widening fairways and using more cautious hole locations. That should make the setup fairer, but not easy. Players still face tiny, exposed greens, thick rough and constant changes in wind direction. Scheffler’s own comments reflect the challenge: at Shinnecock, even “good” shots can end up in bad places, and composure is essential. His opening 2-over 72 showed both the difficulty of the course and that he is not out of it, even if he is chasing. So the answer is yes, he can do it. But at Shinnecock, this is less about reputation or form than survival, adaptability and whether he can stay patient in conditions that can unravel any player.

3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Jun 17

Thursday afternoon gusts nearing 40 mph are expected to hit the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, pushing the course close to unplayable territory and likely defining the weekend.
Atlantic winds are the main threat on a layout already known for tiny greens, thick fescue and deceptive fairways, with crosswinds able to shove drives into rough and even blow balls off greens.
Only 3 of 624 players finished under par in Shinnecock's last four U.S. Opens, underscoring how quickly the course can overwhelm even elite fields.
The USGA, criticized after a mid-round watering in 2004 and a 2018 setup players said was 'lost,' says it could 'brutalize' the course but wants this year's test to stay tough and fair.