Full Breakdown
Shinnecock Hills U.S. Open: USGA Tightens Greens Ahead of Crucial Third Round
6/21/2026, 4:28:56 AM
Course Setup and Weather Forecast
For Saturday’s third round, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced a “progressively firmer” setup with a target green speed of 11.0 on the Stimpmeter. Forecasts call for gusts of 20-30 mph and sunshine, turning the already demanding Shinnecock Hills Golf Club into a markedly tougher test than the first two days, when greens were intentionally softened.
Background: Soft Greens and USGA Adjustments
During Thursday and Friday the greens were described by players as “slow” and “receptive,” a deliberate softening to avoid the chaos of the 2004 and 2018 Opens. The USGA’s Friday-evening alert warned that the course would revert to a classic U.S. Open difficulty, echoing the tournament’s historic emphasis on firmness and speed.
Key Players and Their Outlook
- Wyndham Clark entered Saturday with a four-stroke lead, having set a 36-hole scoring record at Shinnecock.
- Emiliano Grillo posted a 3-under 67, the only sub-par round besides Scottie Scheffler, and moved into the top-six.
- Jordan Spieth struggled, carding a 73 amid gusty conditions and frequent ball-marking.
- Matt Fitzpatrick (tied for second) expressed concern that humidity would keep greens soft despite the USGA’s plan.
- Brooks Koepka noted the unusual softness of Thursday’s greens, contrasting with his 2018 victory on a harder surface.
Data & Statistics
- Target green speed: 11.0 Stimpmeter (up from 10.5 in the first two rounds).
- Wind: 20-30 mph gusts expected Saturday.
- Leaderboard after two rounds: Clark - 4 under, Fitzpatrick - 2 under, Schauffele - 3 under, Kim - 3 under.
- Projected cut line (DataGolf): +3 over.
- Sub-par third-round scores: Grillo - 67, Scheffler - 69; only three players under par after round 3.
Official Statements & Responses
The USGA communicated that the greens would be “progressively firmer” and that the target Stimpmeter reading would be 11.0 for Saturday and Sunday. It also warned of “gusty winds” that could affect ball control. Tournament officials emphasized that the adjustment restores the traditional U.S. Open challenge after a player-friendly opening.
On-the-Ground Reports
Spieth was heard pleading, “Please don’t gust, please don’t gust, just let me mark it,” as wind repeatedly displaced his ball. Grillo described the day as “never slowed down,” highlighting the relentless wind and faster greens that amplified the difficulty of each shot.
Criticism & Opposition
Players voiced unease about the rapid shift in conditions. Koepka called the Thursday greens “odd” and “not what I remember,” while Fitzpatrick warned that humidity might keep the surface “soft” despite the USGA’s intent. Spieth’s frustration underscored the impact of gusts on ball-marking and putting.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
DataGolf’s projected cut line of +3 over contrasts with the absence of an official cut figure after round 2. Additionally, while the USGA set a target green speed of 11.0, earlier reports listed a speed of 10.5, leaving the exact progression of green firmness unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s just weird how soft the greens are. It’s just odd. It’s not what I remember,” — Brooks Koepka, 2018 U.S. Open champion
- “I thought we were going to get nine very windy and then nine not so windy, but it just kept going up. It never slowed down,” — Emiliano Grillo, third-round 67
- “Please don’t gust, please don’t gust, just let me mark it,” — Jordan Spieth, third round
- “I've gotten a lot of grief since last year, rightfully so.” — Wyndham Clark, leader after two rounds
What’s Next
Saturday’s round will conclude with the leaderboard determining final-day pairings. The USGA has confirmed that Sunday’s final round will maintain the 11.0 Stimpmeter target and similar wind conditions, setting the stage for a decisive showdown among the remaining contenders.
