GOLF.com: No Need to Worry About Shinnecock Hills Ahead of U.S. Open

Shinnecock Hills Ready for the U.S. Open

On the eve of the 2026 U.S. Open, Masters champion Rory McIlroy took to Shinnecock Hills for a practice round alongside two 18-year-old American amateurs, Mason Howell and Hamilton Coleman. Both Georgia natives are set to room together at the University of Georgia this fall — and both more than held their own alongside McIlroy in swing speed and composure.

Howell carried Augusta National pedigree onto the course — he wore a belt embroidered with ANGC, a nod to his Masters debut in April as U.S. Amateur champion. Coleman, despite looking barely over 130 pounds, launched a driver off the 10th tee that earned a quiet nod of approval from McIlroy. The next generation of elite American amateur golf appears to be in capable hands.

Greens: The Worry That Wasn't

Earlier in the week, Korean-American tour pro Michael Kim posted on social media that the greens were "spongy," "bumpy," and riddled with aerification holes. By Wednesday afternoon, those concerns had largely evaporated. The greens showed dark aeration dots but were rolling smoothly for well-struck putts. The mix of poa, rye, and bentgrass gives the greens a distinctive patchwork look — but that's Shinnecock, not a setup flaw.

USGA Prepared for Wind and Conditions

With four days of wind in the forecast, questions about USGA course management have circulated. The current leadership team — including CEO Mike Whan and championship director John Bodenhamer, who has studied previous Shinnecock Opens in detail — has shown willingness to adjust green speeds and moisture levels to keep the ball in play. Expect 72 holes of competitive, conditions-driven golf.

Strokeslab Take

With wind expected to be a dominant factor, SG: Approach and SG: Off the Tee will likely matter more than SG: Putting this week. Course management and wind reading may ultimately separate the contenders from the field at Shinnecock Hills.