Scottie Scheffler battles tough conditions at US Open
Scottie Scheffler has admitted Shinnecock Hills was a “good battle” after surviving a punishing opening day at the US Open, with many of golf’s biggest names struggling to cope with fierce winds and one of the sport’s toughest venues, reports BritPanorama.
The forecast for the day warned of gusts exceeding 40mph, prompting US Open organisers to implement measures aimed at preventing a repeat of past controversies associated with the tournament. In 2004 and 2018, the setup was heavily criticized by players and pundits alike.
To address these concerns, the USGA slowed down the greens and watered them between morning and afternoon sessions to mitigate the risk of balls rolling uncontrollably. This decision appeared to yield positive results despite challenging conditions, as play continued without interruption and only six players from the morning wave managed rounds in the 60s.
World No 1 Scheffler was among those battling for survival, finishing with a two-over-par 72 as he aimed to complete his pursuit of the career Grand Slam. “It felt like a day where a lot of good shots were going to get punished,” he commented. “Overall, it was a really challenging day. If you told me when I was staring at my par putt on nine that I would post two over today, I would definitely have taken it. It was a good battle.”
Scheffler’s playing partner, JJ Spaun, also faced difficulties, including a tee shot on a par three that initially held the putting surface before being blown into a bunker by the wind. Other players reported issues with their balls moving on the greens, but conditions did not become severe enough to prompt officials to suspend play.
Former Open champion Padraig Harrington praised the tournament organisers for achieving a “really challenging but fair” setup. “Obviously it got quite windy, but you couldn’t have asked for a better set-up,” he stated. Tommy Fleetwood echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the adjustments made by the organisers contributed to a successful day of play.
Dense fog interrupted proceedings by delaying play for two hours in the morning. Nonetheless, the tournament’s first round was completed despite the adverse conditions.
Rory McIlroy, returning to Shinnecock after struggling here in 2018, found himself playing significantly better this time, finishing with a one-under-par 69 despite bogeying his last two holes. He described the greens as “pretty slow and quite receptive,” suggesting that the conditions required a careful approach. “I think they were prudent with the course set-up,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of minimising mistakes.
As the tournament unfolds, the balance between challenge and fairness remains a critical focus for organisers and players alike, showcasing not only the skill required but also the unpredictable nature of sport, where even the best can find themselves at the mercy of the elements.
