Shinnecock Hills lived up to its reputation as one of golf’s toughest tests on the opening day of a fog-delayed US Open.
Play eventually got under way two hours later than scheduled, and only six of the early starters managed to break par as strong winds swept across the already demanding Long Island layout.
Among them was world number two Rory McIlroy, whose one-under-par 69 left him just a shot behind surprise leader Sam Stevens as the later wave of 78 players headed out.
With conditions expected to worsen as the day progresses, both players will feel well placed to remain in contention. Across the four previous US Opens held at Shinnecock, only 161 of 1,792 rounds (around 9%) have been under par, with just three players finishing the tournament below par.
Much of that difficulty stems from previous championships in 2004 and 2018, when players accused the USGA of “losing the course.” USGA official John Bodenhamer has since acknowledged those issues, saying lessons had been learned and adjustments made for this edition, including watering greens during early rounds to prevent them drying out.
Even so, the challenge remains severe. Thick five-inch rough lines the fairways, while fast, undulating greens and wispy fescue add further punishment for any wayward shots.
A low-lying fog delayed the start, but once it lifted, the full force of the Atlantic winds exposed the brutal nature of the course, with gusts reaching over 30mph.
McIlroy, who began his round on the 10th, made a fast start with two birdies in his opening three holes. Despite bogeys at the 13th and 16th, he remained composed throughout.
The six-time major winner, fresh from defending his Masters title in April, told Sky Sports pundit Mel Reid that the consistency of the wind made conditions manageable.
He showed his class after the turn with a birdie on the third, before producing a stunning eagle on the par-five fifth. A 396-yard wind-assisted drive set up a superb approach to 11 feet, which he converted to underline his strong opening round.
