The US Open is set to return to Shinnecock Hills in 2026, but will it be a repeat of the controversial tests of the past, or a more reasonable challenge? The history of Shinnecock as a US Open venue is a tale of extremes, with the course often presenting a brutal and unforgiving test for the world's best golfers. In 2004, Retief Goosen's putting display secured his second US Open title, but the seventh green became unplayable mid-round due to the fast and firm conditions. The next time the tournament came to Southampton, New York, gusty winds pushed the first-round scoring average to more than six over par, with Rory McIlroy and Scott Gregory struggling. The following day proved nearly three shots easier, but the course's extreme nature was on full display. Phil Mickelson's moment of comedy and controversy when he hit a moving ball to prevent his putt from running off the 13th green is a testament to the course's unpredictable nature. The USGA's John Bodenhamer admits that playing conditions were sub-optimal in 2004 and 2018, and promises changes for 2026. The aim is to open up interesting hole locations and give players choices of shots around the greens, rather than dictating their shot selection. Fairways will play the same width as they do the rest of the year, providing wider landing areas, but they will still be bordered by penal, thick rough. Since the departure of former USGA boss Mike Davis in 2021, US Opens have seemed fairer, with less dependence on making level par the winning score. The biggest influence on the outcome now seems to be conditions, with the USGA willing to let nature play a role in the test. With rain forecast before a dry weekend, the USGA may be able to dodge further criticism at Shinnecock. The 2026 US Open will be a mighty test for the world's best, with the planet's top player, Scottie Scheffler, seeking a career Grand Slam, and other contenders like Matt Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy looking to add to their major wins. Whoever prevails will need to control their ball better than anyone else, taking advantage of the wider fairways and coping with challenging run-off areas, devilish pin positions, and drying greens that are likely to get tougher on an hourly basis. And that is how it should be at a US Open.
