Australia’s Golf Stars Prepare for the Ultimate Challenge at the US Open
Australia’s top golfers are adopting a strategic approach as they gear up for the most demanding test of the year at the 125th US Open in New York. The event will be held at Shinnecock Hills, a course known for its beauty and difficulty, which has hosted the championship six times before, with Brooks Koepka securing victory in 2018.
Shinnecock Hills, designed by William Flynn, is famous for its three distinct sections of holes that form a triangle, creating different wind conditions for each area. This layout ensures that players face unpredictable challenges throughout the tournament.
The USGA has taken measures to ensure the course remains playable despite the potential for harsh conditions. For example, eight years ago, Phil Mickelson faced criticism after putting a moving ball on the green during a 10. Officials have worked to keep the course as green and hydrated as possible to prepare for the windy week ahead.
World No.1 Scottie Scheffler is aiming for his seventh career grand slam, while Australian golfer Adam Scott is making a historic attempt to play in his 100th consecutive major championship.
“I still love the golf course,” Scott said ahead of Thursday night’s first round (AEST), despite missing the cut in his previous two appearances at Shinnecock. “It’s as good as any test we have at the US Open.”
Fellow Australian Lucas Herbert is also returning to Shinnecock after missing the cut in 2018 when he started with a 13-over 83 in a challenging debut. “None of us were ready for what it was,” Herbert said. “I haven’t played Oakmont, but I would say Oakmont and Winged Foot might be the only two US Opens venues that are probably harder than Shinnecock.”
Hence, Herbert plans to take a measured approach in his quest to contend come Sunday. “You’re picking your battles, right? US Opens, you can make a bogey here and there and that’s fine. Every single hole is a very, very tough challenge and you’re probably supposed to make bogey, so inevitably they’re going to come at some point. What the challenge is, is making sure it’s not a double or worse.”
With wind gusts often reaching 25kph, sometimes doubling that, and deep rough combined with fast, undulating greens, there will be no place to hide for Scott, Herbert, and other Australians like Min Woo Lee, Cameron Smith, and 2011 US Open runner-up Jason Day.
“There will be a lot of putting from off greens over little mounds and crests, and speed control is going to be a premium on those greens,” Herbert said. “The bunkers are quite a heavy sand, almost like beach sand, so that will make it trickier to stop shots short of tight pins. And then probably just getting used to hitting driver or a long iron off the tee with different crosswinds because they always pretty generous, but if you miss them, you’re in knee-high rough.”
After a strong performance in the 2024 Masters, Smith is looking to build on his recent success and will be the first Australian out, teeing off at 9:19pm Thursday (AEST). Herbert and Scott also have morning tee times, while Day and Lee will start their rounds in the afternoon.
