Scottie Scheffler says what many people have got wrong about Shinnecock Hills ahead of the US Open
Scottie Scheffler shot a 72 during the first round at Shinnecock Hills. He struggled specifically with his iron play. The golfer is currently seeking a career grand slam.
What changed
New reports highlight Scheffler's struggle with iron play during his opening round.
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Scheffler Struggles in US Open Opening Round
confidence 90%Scottie Scheffler shot a 72 during the first round at Shinnecock Hills. He struggled specifically with his iron play. The golfer is currently seeking a career grand slam.
What's confirmed:
- Scottie Scheffler is pursuing a career grand slam at the US Open.
- Scheffler finished the first round at Shinnecock Hills with a two-over par 72.
- Scheffler stated that players who believe driving accuracy is not important are in for a nasty surprise.
Still unconfirmed:
- Scheffler was angered by comments made to him by Randy Smith at Shinnecock.
- Scheffler's recent form is a bigger concern than pressure.
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Scottie Scheffler Opens US Open with Two-Over Par 72
confidence 90%Scottie Scheffler has begun his pursuit of a career Grand Slam at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York. He finished the first round of the 2026 US Open with a two-over par 72. Scheffler previously warned that players underestimating the need for tee precision would face a "nasty surprise" due to the course conditions.
What's confirmed:
- The 2026 US Open is being held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.
- Scottie Scheffler shot a two-over par 72 in the first round.
- Scheffler is seeking a career Grand Slam.
- Scheffler described the lack of precision off the tee as a "nasty surprise" for some players.
Still unconfirmed:
- British golfers may have an advantage over Americans when playing in the wind at Shinnecock Hills.
- Coach Randy Smith believes Scheffler is happy with his game heading into the tournament.
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Scheffler debunks Shinnecock myth: Driving accuracy is key at US Open
confidence 93%Scottie Scheffler has dismissed the idea that precision off the tee is less critical at Shinnecock Hills, calling it a 'nasty surprise' for players who underestimate its demands. The 2026 US Open favorite insists the course’s undulating terrain and fescue rough will reward accuracy over raw power. His focus remains on adapting to the links-style layout rather than chasing a career Grand Slam. Sources confirm his emphasis on course management ahead of the tournament.
What's confirmed:
- Scottie Scheffler has stated that players who believe driving accuracy is unimportant at Shinnecock Hills will face a difficult challenge.
- The golfer described the course’s rough and terrain as demanding precision off the tee, framing it as a 'nasty surprise' for unprepared competitors.
- Scheffler entered the 2026 US Open as the favorite but downplayed the significance of a career Grand Slam, focusing instead on mastering Shinnecock’s unique conditions.
- Shinnecock Hills is characterized as a links-style course with undulations, deep fescue rough, and windy conditions that historically test a golfer’s ability to manage the course.
- Scheffler has repeatedly emphasized that his motivation is not tied to achieving a career Grand Slam but rather to performing well at the US Open.
Still unconfirmed:
- Scheffler may struggle with Shinnecock’s stiff conditions despite his strong form, though no performance data or direct concerns have been cited.
- British golfers could have an advantage at Shinnecock due to familiarity with links courses, though Scheffler has not confirmed this as a factor.