Overview
- The 156-player field is set for Shinnecock Hills and first-round tee times have been published, with amateurs Jackson Herrington, Chase Kyes and Caleb Surratt included in the opening pairings.
- The USGA says it will manage green speeds and hole locations more conservatively to present a tough but fair test that rewards precise course management.
- Bookmakers and preview writers list world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler as the pre-tournament favorite, while markets also price a winning total over par as the likeliest outcome.
- The championship reunites the sport’s top names — including Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele and Tommy Fleetwood — and Brooks Koepka plans to play after reporting improvement from a hand issue.
- Shinnecock’s links-style design, narrow landing areas, sandy rough and shifting winds have historically produced high scores and sparse under-par rounds, making patience and ball striking the premium skills this week.