The U.S. Open is set to take place at Shinnecock Hills, and the course is ready to challenge the world's best golfers. As the head pro at Shinnecock, Sean Quinlivan offers a detailed breakdown of each hole, providing insights that could make all the difference for players. From the soft opening hole to the daunting 18th, Quinlivan's analysis is a must-read for anyone interested in the tournament.
Hole 1: Westward Ho
Quinlivan describes this hole as a "low-stress opening hole." With a relatively short distance of 399 yards and a downhill slope, players can aim for the fat of the fairway, leaving them with a manageable 100-130 yards to the pin. This hole sets the tone for the tournament, offering a gentle introduction to the challenges ahead.
Hole 2: Plateau
A big-boy par 3 awaits on Hole 2, playing between 230 and 260 yards. The green is severe, with runoff on the back and a false front. Quinlivan advises taking par and moving on, as this hole can be a real test of a player's skills.
Hole 3: Peconic
This 501-yard par 4 is a dogleg left, slightly aided by the prevailing wind. The downslope from 315 yards can provide an extra 50-60 yards of roll, but hitting the fairway is crucial. The green is severe, with runoff on the front half, making distance control essential for a successful two-putt.
Hole 4: Pump House
A good driving hole, Pump House rewards those who hug the left half of the fairway. Two bunkers at 270 and 320 yards will test players' accuracy. The green is beautiful, with a slope from left to right and runoff all around. A middle-of-the-green approach provides a decent birdie opportunity.
Hole 5: Montauk
One of the two par 5s, Montauk played easier in 2018 due to the wind. Players should aim for a short approach to the green, as the prevailing wind is down the right side.
Hole 6: Pond
This 495-yard par 4 features a blind tee shot and a wide fairway. The approach is to a severe back-to-front sloping green. The left bunker is a good miss, while the right side has a severe kickoff. Middle of the green is a good play.
Hole 7: Redan
A favorite redan hole, Redan has a severe slope from right to left. Short and right are problematic, and even getting on the green can be tricky due to the movement. Quinlivan believes that making four pars for the week could significantly impact the leaderboard.
Hole 8: Lowlands
The tee shot here favors long hitters, with a pinch of bunkers up the left half of the fairway. The approach becomes intimidating, especially with right hole locations. The green is just floating in space, and creating an angle from the left half is crucial.
Hole 9: Ben Nevis
A wide fairway and aiming at the right half of the clubhouse provide ample room. Down the left half, a release point over a hill can be advantageous. Hitting the fairway is a premium, and this hole showcases the beauty of the course.
Hole 10: Eastward Ho
Data from 2018 suggests that laying back on the fairway hill yielded few birdies. The green is intimidating, and coming up short can be a problem. Players who found the fairway at the bottom of the hill had success with a flip wedge. Quinlivan encourages trying to go down the hill for better birdie opportunities.
Hole 11: Hill Head
An iconic par 3 with a small green, Hill Head becomes even smaller with a false front and runoff. Distance control is key, and having the ball stay short of the middle is the play. Quinlivan recalls Brooks Koepka's memorable chip over the bunker in 2018.
Hole 12: Tuckahoe
This hole is expected to yield some birdies due to its shorter play. The downhill tee shot leaves players with short to mid-irons into the green.
Hole 13: Road Side
A favorite for Quinlivan, Road Side is a great short hole playing at about 350 yards downhill. Most players have the power to drive the green side, and a good pitch is around 15 feet. The majority of the field will play back, leaving a short iron.
Hole 14: Thom's Elbow
The longest par 4 on the course, Thom's Elbow demands accuracy. Even shots finding the fairway leave players with a long iron into the green. Landing short on the front is a good play, and middle of the green provides a decent look.
Hole 15: Sebonac
Sebonac plays downhill, making it fairly short. Players should land something around 230 yards, releasing the ball down the hill. A short wedge shot follows, and any decent shot in yields a good look. Fairway misses are punished, as the green is difficult to hold from the rough.
Hole 16: Shinnecock
An iconic hole, Shinnecock is a beauty with a snaking fairway and the clubhouse in the background. It's a severe green with a lot of slope, making controlling spin on the third shot crucial.
Hole 17: Far
This hole can vary in length, from 150 yards to 185 yards, depending on the hole location. The green is tilted from right to left, requiring a quality iron shot. Par is a good number, and the hole can be a real test of a player's skills.
Hole 18: Home
The final hole is a beast, playing at 490 yards with a dogleg left and a left-to-right sloping fairway. Many balls will stay short of the second bunker, and the green is severe. Quinlivan highlights the importance of hitting the ball long on this hole.
Quinlivan's analysis provides a comprehensive guide to each hole, offering insights that could make all the difference for players at the U.S. Open. From the soft opening hole to the challenging 18th, Shinnecock Hills is set to provide an unforgettable test of golf.
