Full Breakdown
2026 U.S. Open Returns to Shinnecock Hills Amid Tribal Dispute
6/19/2026, 1:55:50 AM
2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills
156 players opened the sixth U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, on Thursday. The club previously hosted the championship in 1886, 1896, 1986, 1995 and now 2026.
Club History and Tribal Roots
Founded in 1891, Shinnecock Hills is a USGA charter club with a clubhouse. The 12-hole layout was built by Shinnecock Nation labor under Willie Davis and later expanded to 18 holes by Willie Dunn, who used burial mounds as bunkers. In 1859 the tribe was forced to cede most of its 3,500-acre lease, leaving an 800-acre reservation that includes the burial grounds.
Pioneering Players and Tribal Labor
In 1896, African-American John Shippen and Shinnecock member Oscar Bunn played the Open; Shippen led after round one and finished fifth, Bunn placed 21st. Their participation prompted a threatened boycott, which USGA president Theodore Havemeyer rejected. Tribal workers have tended the course for generations; Peter Smith led the grounds crew for three decades, and his nephew Matthew now assists. The USGA funded an Oscar Bunn putting facility on the reservation.
Criticism & Opposition
The Open takes place on land ceded in 1859 and built over burial mounds. Tribal leaders say spectators are unaware of the course’s provenance. The club’s Native imagery on merchandise and LED billboards proclaiming “Welcome to Shinnecock Indian Nation” have drawn criticism and legal challenges, while courts have ruled against the tribe.
Official Statements
Historian Mike Trostel called Shippen a pioneering figure. President Brian Pickett described the relationship as “complicated” and stressed dialogue. Tribal council chair Lisa Goree noted ignorance of the tribe’s name and history.
On-the-Ground Perspectives
Peter Smith, a grounds-crew member, said his ancestors built and died on the course; his nephew Matthew now assists. The road Tuckahoe Rd crossing holes 12-14 is closed during the Open.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on the authenticity of the 1859 land-cession signatures; the tribe claims forgery, courts have upheld the cession. Reasons for Peter Smith’s 1999 dismissal are undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You think of the word ‘pioneer,’ and it's probably overused a little bit,” — Mike Trostel, USGA historian
- “My ancestors built that course, my ancestors died on that course,” — Peter Smith, former head of Shinnecock grounds crew
- “There's blood, sweat and tears on that course.” — Peter Smith
- “I've wished 100 times I could've played that little par-4 again,” — John Shippen (1969 interview)
- “There are so many people who pass right through the golf club, they have no idea where that name came from,” — Lisa Goree, Shinnecock Indian Nation council chair
What's Next
Club president Brian Pickett said the relationship will continue to be discussed, and the USGA’s recent funding of the Oscar Bunn facility signals ongoing collaboration.
