USGA adjusts course setup to combat wind at U.S. Open 2026

At the U.S. Open 2026 in Southampton, New York, the USGA is implementing significant course setup changes due to forecasted high winds. John Bodenhamer, USGA Chief Championship Officer, announced that greens will be slowed down for the first time in over 30 years to prevent issues similar to those during previous events at Shinnecock Hills. Expecting sustained winds of 12 to 24 mph and gusts exceeding 40 mph, the USGA will syringe the greens and adjust speeds to the mid-10s on the Stimpmeter. Morning tee times will also be moved up to allow for course maintenance, aiming for a fair competition despite challenging conditions.

• 6:53 PMYahoo Sports — U.S. Open 2026: A worst-case weather scenario is brewing at Shinnecock Hills. Here’s how the USGA is already addressing it