USGA Softens Shinnecock Greens at 126th U.S. Open as Wyndham Clark Reaches 6-Under
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 19
USGA Softens Shinnecock Greens at 126th U.S. Open as Wyndham Clark Reaches 6-Under
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 19
Summary
Opening-round setup at Shinnecock drew fan backlash after the USGA slowed and watered the greens, producing what the report called the softest U.S. Open conditions in 30 years.
High-wind and low-humidity forecasts — plus memories of the 2018 criticism that officials had "lost the course" — drove the conservative setup, but the expected winds largely failed to arrive.
6-under leader Wyndham Clark and other afternoon players benefited most after officials watered between waves, a sharp contrast with morning scores around even par or 1-under.
Round 1 was suspended by darkness at about 8:30 p.m., and officials said they will keep the same plan for Round 2 so the opposite wave faces the same softened conditions.
The dispute cuts to the U.S. Open's identity: fans expect the event to be golf's toughest test, while the USGA is trying to avoid another course-setup fiasco at Shinnecock.
Will the USGA allow Shinnecock Hills to regain its notorious difficulty for the weekend after the unexpectedly easy opening round?
How can tournament organizers balance fairness and tradition when unpredictable weather undermines their course setup strategies at major championships?