Overview
- The U.S. Open, which begins Thursday, will be played at Shinnecock Hills with first‑round tee times set and a 156‑player field.
- The course will play about 7,440 yards with firm fairways, fast undulating greens and deep rough, and forecasters expect sustained coastal winds that will dramatically affect club selection and shot shape.
- World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is the short‑priced pre‑tournament favorite as he chases a career Grand Slam, with Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele and Tommy Fleetwood among the other leading contenders.
- Brooks Koepka, who won the last U.S. Open at Shinnecock in 2018, withdrew from the Canadian Open with a hand issue but reported improvement after a nine‑hole practice round and plans to play; his status is a developing storyline.
- Historical trends at Shinnecock and USGA comments about a 'tough but fair' setup mean par will be prized, which could favor patient iron play and place a premium on managing the wind and putting from short grass.