The US Open tee times are set, and Shinnecock Hills is about to host one of the most compelling fields in major championship golf. Rory McIlroy begins his hunt for a second US Open title on Thursday at 12:52pm (UK time), grouped alongside Ryder Cup colleagues Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Aberg. The Northern Irishman last lifted the trophy back in 2011 — fourteen years is a long time to wait, and the six-time major winner knows it.
US Open Tee Times: The Marquee Groups You Cannot Miss
World number one Scottie Scheffler steps out at 1:14pm with defending champion JJ Spaun. The stakes could not be higher for Scheffler — a victory this week would make him just the seventh player in history to complete the career Grand Slam. Enormous. Meanwhile, Aaron Rai — fresh from winning last month’s PGA Championship — tees off at 6:14pm alongside former major winners Collin Morikawa and Jason Day.
Furthermore, Matt Fitzpatrick, who claimed this very title in 2022, goes out at 6:25pm in a blockbuster group with two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau and Norway’s Viktor Hovland. Then, rounding off the evening starters, Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm — three more former champions between them — head out together at 7:09pm. The USGA has deployed a two-tee start across all four rounds to move all 156 competitors efficiently around the course.
Wind and Green Speed Controversy Threatens Competitive Integrity
However, the talk before a ball is even struck centres on conditions. Gusts of up to 40mph are forecast across the New York area on Thursday, with similarly punishing winds expected throughout the week. That has put the USGA firmly in the crosshairs of the players.
McIlroy was direct at Tuesday’s press conference: “There were gusts of 25 to 30mph on Monday, and balls wouldn’t stand on the 11th green. That’s where you just have to use a little bit of caution. They need to protect the competitive integrity of the tournament and make it fair for everyone.” He was far from alone in raising the alarm, with several players warning organisers about dangerously fast greens in drying conditions.
You can check the BBC Sport golf hub for live updates throughout the week, and the PGA Tour’s official site carries full scoring as it happens.
Ultimately, Shinnecock Hills in a 40mph wind with lightning-quick greens is golf at its most brutal and most brilliant. Buckle up — this one is going to be something else.