League: PGA Tour Sport: Golf Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

USGA prepares tougher conditions for weekend of U.S. Open

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 1:49 PM

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

USGA prepares tougher conditions for weekend of U.S. Open

Summary

The USGA is set to toughen course conditions for the weekend at the 126th U.S. Open, currently taking place at Shinnecock Hills. Feedback indicated earlier rounds featured softer greens, prompting officials to prepare for firmer play and faster greens, with target speed hitting 11.0 on the Stimpmeter. Leading golfer Wyndham Clark previously expressed that the scores should be lower given the conditions. Rory McIlroy signaled optimism for more challenging gameplay, aligning with changes expected to separate top contenders from the field. Changes may enhance the championship experience weekend participants expect.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•USGA plans to increase course difficulty over the weekend
•Wyndham Clark leads with a score of 7-under 133
•Rory McIlroy suggests conditions will improve
•Greens to target speed of 11.0 on the Stimpmeter
•Soft greens earlier drew criticism from players

Latest Updates

1:49 PMYahoo Sports — USGA promises tougher U.S. Open test for weekend — and it's about time

What they're saying

"
We want carnage: The USGA plans to toughen up the U.S. Open course for the weekend after criticism that early conditions were too soft.
— Yahoo Sports

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