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Rain Delay Opens 2026 U.S. Open, Eight Players Tied

6/18/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Scheffler Grand Slams

The 2026 U.S. Open opened Thursday, June 18, in Southampton, New York, but rain halted play after 30 minutes.
Play resumed at 9:05 a.m. ET after a two-hour delay, with eight players sharing the lead.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler teed off at 8:14 a.m. ET, chasing a career Grand Slam.
Masters champion Rory McIlroy started at 7:52 a.m. local, while the field listed Scheffler and McIlroy at +550 and +1200.

Summary

USGA Waters

The USGA will water the greens between the morning and afternoon waves on Thursday and Friday to keep conditions consistent.
Rory McIlroy first called the plan “stupid” but later endorsed it after USGA officials explained the reasoning.
Deloitte upgraded the USGA app with hole-by-hole scatter plots, real-time views and detailed course analytics.
NBC will deliver over 46 hours of U.S. Open coverage, including 21 hours on the network.

Summary

USGA Cools Greens

USGA will mist Shinnecock Hills greens between morning and afternoon waves with a light “syringe” spray to keep blades cool as 30 mph gusts hit Thursday.
USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer said green speeds are set at a Stimpmeter 10.5, the slowest U.S. Open target since 1995.
Course architect William Flynn designed the course in three triangular sections so players encounter a different wind direction on each hole cluster.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 the USGA staged the 95th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, where Corey Pavin won with a light mist spray applied by Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhauer. The course returned for the 2026 championship, again using misting as Scheffler and McIlroy endured delayed starts and a rain pause, illustrating the USGA’s long-term weather-control tactics.

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Scheffler Grand Slams

The 2026 U.S. Open opened Thursday, June 18, in Southampton, New York, but rain halted play after 30 minutes.
Play resumed at 9:05 a.m. ET after a two-hour delay, with eight players sharing the lead.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler teed off at 8:14 a.m. ET, chasing a career Grand Slam.
Masters champion Rory McIlroy started at 7:52 a.m. local, while the field listed Scheffler and McIlroy at +550 and +1200.

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