The 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills this week is testing the patience of golfers and fans alike. The wind on the 7,440-yard course is a challenge for even the most talented golfers. The traffic on Montauk Highway is a hurdle for spectators. Tackle those two things successfully and the experience is unmatched.
“So I think this course, it demands so much patience, and it can really lure you into taking on things that you probably shouldn’t,” said Rory McIlroy, who won his second consecutive Masters Tournament in April, speaking Tuesday at an on-site press conference. “I think it’s the best championship test in the country. I think it tests all aspects of the game: driving, iron play, you need to have your wits about you on the greens. It’s a lot of strategy, thoughtfulness.”
Brooks Koepka won the Open the last time it was played at Shinnecock, in 2018. This is his first time back.
“It’s a cool feeling, good memories, and excited to get it going this week,” Koepka said. “This course can be quite difficult. You’re going to have to be creative around this place and really, really work on your angles coming in. I’m excited about it, and the game feels good.”
McIlroy last played competitively on Long Island in September, at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park, where he led Team Europe to a massive victory over the U.S. The Long Island fans were rough on him then, but he’s not holding a grudge against them now.
“I love playing around New York. I love playing in this area. It’s got some of the best golf in the world,” McIlroy said. “Look, New York is New York, and they’re going to make their voices heard, but that’s a good thing. That’s a good atmosphere to play in.”
Young local fans are especially excited that McIlroy is here. Wolfie Gardner, a 10-year-old golfer from Sagaponack, was waiting by the ropes for his autograph this week. “I made a poster. I’m excited to see Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau [the 2024 U.S. Open winner],” Wolfie said. “I love golf because it’s relaxing and fun. I’ve been playing golf for a year. I’m the best at driving. I can hit the ball far.”
Amateur golfers also have the opportunity to test their skills at Shinnecock. Fan Central, near the main entrance, offers a 3-hole putting course, a longest-drive competition, and a bunker challenge. Andrew Carlson, 16, Luke Morey, 16, and Chase Gerula, 15, all from Massapequa, tried their hand at putting. “It’s really good. I didn’t play too well, but it’s really nice,” Luke said.
All three boys said the highlight of their visit was watching Scottie Scheffler’s practice rounds. Scheffler, the current number-one golfer in the world, will be shooting for a career grand slam this weekend, having won the Masters in 2022 and 2024, and both the PGA Championship and the Open in 2025.
“It’d be very cool to see Scottie complete back-to-back years of career grand slams. It’s between Rory, who I grew up watching, and Scottie, who is newer to the scene and is cool to watch, especially as a high school golfer,” Chase said.
The Fan Experience also features a merchandise tent the size of a department store, where Sarah Minardi and Belinda Bellas, East Hampton School Board members, were snagging some souvenirs before catching a Long Island Rail Road train back home.
“I really wanted to come. The fact that the U.S. Open is here — I’ve never been before,” Minardi said. “We toured and we followed Neal Shipley and the U.S. amateur, Hamilton Coleman. We stayed with their group the whole time. We saw them play nine holes and it was just, it was a blast! Everyone has been so nice — all the volunteers. It’s run so efficiently. We’re incredibly impressed.”
Oliver Hudesman took his daughter, Tatum, 7, and son, Palmer, 9, to Shinnecock. They drove from Melville. “It wasn’t so bad. We drove out — about an hour and a half. Parked a mile away and the shuttle was easy. So over all, not so bad. I know a lot of anxiety around it, but not so bad,” he said. “We saw a bunch of players. We got autographs. We saw some cool shots. It’s unbelievable — the weather, the place — everybody has been fantastic.”