Overview
- Sam Stevens took the early clubhouse lead with a 2-under 68 after Thursday's opening round, and only a small group of starters managed scores below par.
- The USGA deliberately watered greens between morning and afternoon waves to slow surfaces and keep pins playable given forecasts for sustained 20+ mph winds and stronger gusts.
- World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler opened with a 72 as he seeks a career Grand Slam, while Rory McIlroy carded a 69 and stayed in contention after an eagle and late bogeys.
- Brooks Koepka, who won at Shinnecock in 2018, said his hand is improving enough to play despite recent numbness, and Adam Scott made his 100th consecutive major start.
- Shinnecock’s links-style layout, deep rough and shifting coastal wind have historically produced over-par totals, so the USGA’s setup and Thursday’s scoring suggest a tougher-than-usual championship at least through the weekend.