The U.S. Open is my favorite second major championship.
Not because of the birdies. Not because of the television ratings. Not because of the pageantry. I love the U.S. Open because it asks a simple question:
How much golf do you really have?
Every June, the best players in the world arrive believing they have the answers. Four days later, most leave humbled.
This week, the game’s toughest test returns to one of its most demanding venues: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. It is the sixth time the club has hosted America’s national championship, and if history is any indication, it will be memorable. Shinnecock has hosted victories by Raymond Floyd, Corey Pavin (4-wood… Cleveland VAS), Retief Goosen, and Brooks Koepka (trophy husband). Only a handful of players have finished under par across the five previous championships played here. The course simply doesn’t give anything away.
And that’s exactly what we expect from the US Open. Carnage.
THE COURSE
If Augusta National is a cathedral and St. Andrews is golf’s birthplace, then Shinnecock Hills is a proving ground.
Perched on the windswept dunes of Long Island, Shinnecock feels more like a links course than a traditional American parkland layout. The fairways roll and tumble. The greens sit exposed to the elements. The fescue waits patiently for errant drives.
Most importantly, the wind is always lurking. Last I saw it was blowing around 20 mph each day. Fun.
The course will stretch to roughly 7,440 yards and play as a par 70. That sounds long, but distance isn’t really the story here. Position and patience matter. Missing in the correct spot matters. The player who wins this championship will likely spend the week managing mistakes rather than chasing birdies. If I were a caddie: Get par, you idiot.
The USGA appears intent on avoiding the setup controversies that plagued portions of the 2004 and 2018 championships. Wider fairways and a more measured approach to green speeds should ensure the course remains difficult without becoming unfair. They’ve even released some public statements about watering the greens, etc. But I don’t believe them. Honestly, I don’t. I believe this setup will be next to impossible. Fairways that don’t stop. Greens that are lightning fast. Rough that is unimaginable.
In other words: exactly how a U.S. Open should be.
THE STORYLINE:
Every major needs a headline.
This year, it belongs to Scottie Scheffler. The World No. 1 arrives at Shinnecock with a chance to complete the career Grand Slam. He already owns multiple Masters titles, a PGA Championship, and an Open Championship. The U.S. Open is the final piece.
That’s rare air.
Only six players in the history of the game have completed the modern career Grand Slam. Scheffler has a chance to become the seventh. The scary part? Shinnecock feels built for his game. Nobody in professional golf controls the golf ball like Scheffler. He drives it straight enough, hits plenty of greens, and rarely compounds mistakes. Those qualities become exponentially more valuable when pars feel like birdies.
If conditions become difficult (and they almost certainly will), Scheffler’s ability to remain patient could separate him from the field.
He is the rightful favorite by all the media, etc. But he’s not my pick. Keep reading…
What you need to know:
HOW TO WATCH:
- Thursday (Round 1): 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on USA Network
- Thursday (Late Coverage): 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. on NBCSN and Peacock
- Friday (Round 2): 6:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. on NBCSN and Peacock
- Friday (Afternoon): 1:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on NBC and Peacock
- Saturday (Round 3): 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on USA Network
- Saturday (Afternoon): 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. on NBC and Peacock
- Sunday (Round 4): 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on USA Network
- Sunday (Afternoon): 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. on NBC and Peacock
Otherwise, it can all be streamed on usopen.com
GEAR:
Companies are putting out some great US Open gear available to the general population. While I’m not usually a tournament logo guy, the Shinnecock logo is SO GOOD…this one gets some wear. Here are a few (I’ll add as I find more – feel free to drop a plug in the comments):
- B.Draddy – use code RCS20 for 20% off (your entire order)
- Holderness & Bourne – Hard to beat…incredible polos
- Peter Millar – Big selection…
- Greyson – the hoodie is awesome
- Footjoy – Some good stuff
Anything else?
MY PICKS:
Winner: Sepp Straka. Elite ball striking. Putter is looking good.
Dark Horse: Russell Henley. His game is built for this.
Who is your pick? Drop me a comment below…
Artwork: my man Lee Wybranski
