Scottie Scheffler Gets Early Look at Shinnecock Hills as U.S. Open Nears.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler took an important step in his preparation for the upcoming U.S. Open by making his first visit to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club earlier this week. While Scheffler is focused on defending his title at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio, the two-time Masters champion traveled to Southampton, New York, on Monday to scout the famed venue that will host the 126th U.S. Open later this month. Speaking Wednesday at Muirfield Village, Scheffler described Shinnecock Hills as every bit the challenge he expected. Although he was surprised by the generous width of many fairways, he emphasized that the course’s demanding greens will likely determine who contends for the championship. "The green complexes are extremely difficult," Scheffler said. "That's where the greatest challenge comes from." A victory at the U.S. Open would carry historic significance for Scheffler. Already the owner of two Masters titles, along with victories at The Open Championship and PGA Championship, he would complete golf’s career Grand Slam with a win at Shinnecock. Scheffler enters the major in strong form, having recorded four top-10 finishes in his last five U.S. Open appearances, including a runner-up result in 2022. He noted that while the fairways provide opportunities off the tee, missing them comes with severe consequences due to the thick rough surrounding the landing areas. "The rough is a real penalty," Scheffler explained. "If you start missing fairways, you have almost no chance." Fellow major champion Rory McIlroy also played a practice round at Shinnecock on Monday and echoed many of Scheffler’s observations. McIlroy said the fairways appear more forgiving than during the club’s last U.S. Open in 2018, but warned that the rough remains extremely punishing.

According to McIlroy, the greens were rolling at approximately 11.2 on the Stimpmeter during his visit, a speed he believes is sufficient for championship conditions without becoming excessive. "If they keep the greens around that speed and maintain firmness, it could be one of the best championship tests in the country," McIlroy said. Shinnecock Hills last hosted the U.S. Open in 2018, when Brooks Koepka captured the title at 1-over par amid difficult scoring conditions. That championship drew criticism after unusually fast and firm greens created challenges for players throughout the week. Before turning his full attention to the U.S. Open, Scheffler has another opportunity to make history. A victory this week at the Memorial Tournament would make him the first golfer since Tiger Woods to win the event three consecutive years. Although Scheffler has not won since claiming the American Express title in January, his consistency remains among the best on the PGA Tour. He has finished runner-up three times this season, including at the Masters, and continues to rank near the top of the Tour in key statistical categories. "I've felt close all year," Scheffler said. "The margins in this game are very small. A few shots here or there can make all the difference."