Overview
- The U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, which began Thursday, saw dense morning fog and strong, gusty winds force delays to the opening round and raise the risk of storm-related interruptions.
- World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is pursuing the career Grand Slam but opened with an uneven 72 (+2) and sits well off the early lead, leaving him work to do if weather and course conditions remain tough.
- Brooks Koepka returned to Shinnecock after withdrawing in Canada, practiced nine holes and said his injured left hand should be ready for competition.
- The field mixes top PGA Tour stars and 13 LIV Golf entrants, including Carlos Ortiz and Joaquín Niemann, who are competing but are not being framed as primary favorites.
- Shinnecock’s firm greens, high sticky rough and coastal wind have historically produced brutal scores and high cuts, and the early weather swing is likely to shape who is positioned for the weekend as forecasts predict calmer conditions later on.