US Open organisers aim for fairer test at Shinnecock Hills in 2026
8 reported
Organisers of the US Open say lessons have been learned from controversial past visits to Shinnecock Hills, where brutal course setups drew criticism. The United States Golf Association (USGA) is planning a more reasonable test for the 2026 championship, with wider fairways and slower green speeds than in 2018. John Bodenhamer, the USGA official responsible for course setup, acknowledged that playing conditions were sub-optimal in 2004 and 2018. He stated that the organisation has learned a number of things and that some things will be different in 2026. The aim is to let the course be itself while avoiding the extreme conditions that led to high scores and a notable incident involving Phil Mickelson in 2018. Recent US Opens have been fairer since the departure of former USGA boss Mike Davis in 2021, with winning scores often below par.
What’s reported
The US Open returns to Shinnecock Hills in 2026 after controversial visits in 2004 and 2018.
In 2004, the seventh green needed hand watering mid-round because it became unplayable.
In 2018, the first round scoring average was more than six over par, with Rory McIlroy failing to break 80 and Scott Gregory shooting 92.
Phil Mickelson hit a moving ball on the 13th green in 2018, receiving a two-shot penalty and running up a 10 on that hole.
Brooks Koepka won the 2018 US Open at one over par, beating Tommy Fleetwood by one shot.
John Bodenhamer said fairways will play the same width as they do the rest of the year, providing wider landing areas.
Green speeds will be slower than in 2018, and the aim is to open up interesting hole locations.
Since Mike Davis left in 2021, US Opens have seemed fairer, with winning scores often below par.
Key figures
John Bodenhamer, USGA official responsible for course setup
Phil Mickelson, six-time major champion
Brooks Koepka, 2018 US Open winner
Tommy Fleetwood, 2018 US Open runner-up
Rory McIlroy, Masters champion
Scottie Scheffler, world number one
Matt Fitzpatrick, 2022 US Open winner
Tyrrell Hatton, LIV golfer
Mike Davis, former USGA boss
Sources: BBC News
