Getty

SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK - JUNE 15: Flags are seen on course prior to the 126th 2026 U.S. OPEN at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 15, 2026 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Shinnecock Hills, host of the 2026 US Open, is an extremely difficult golf course on a calm day. Looking ahead to the weather forecast, it appears golf’s stiffest test will have plenty of wind to complicate matters further

The third major of the men’s season returns to Long Island at one of the sport’s most iconic venues. And while plenty of work has been done at Shinnecock Hills over the years, the elements remain its best defense. This year should be no different, especially at the start of the week.

US Open Forecast: Wind in Forecast Could Cause Shinnecock Hills Carnage

Shinnecock Hills is a wide-open piece of Long Island property situated directly on the water. The wind is the No. 1 variable, and when it blows, a difficult golf course can feel borderline impossible to solve. An early look at the forecast shows some considerable gusts during Rounds 1 and 2.

First round (Thursday, June 18)
Slight chance of rain early- to mid-morning … Highs of 74, winds from 22-28 mph, gusts up to 45 mph

Second round (Friday, June 19)
Mostly sunny … Highs of 73, winds from 14-18 mph, gusts up to 26 mph

Third round (Saturday, June 20)
Sunny … Highs of 73, winds from 16-20 mph, gusts up to 28 mph

Fourth round (Sunday, June 21)
Sunny … Highs of 71, winds from 10-17 mph, gusts up to 22 mph

At first glance, Thursday could be treacherous, especially if the rain stays away. The USGA will likely do all it can to keep things relatively fair, and that includes watering the greens as necessary. But if the wind is blowing, and there’s not much moisture, the putting surface could become glass-like, especially with the sun in the forecast just about all weekend.

At this point, just surviving the first two days, particularly the first round, is going to be an achievement on its own. The most docile day of the bunch is Sunday, which is honestly all you can ask for. The perfect situation might be a brutal test of the first couple of days that gets slightly easier on the weekend, allowing for players to chase.