The 126th U.S. Open got off to an unexpected and frustrating start Thursday morning at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, where dense fog forced officials to halt first-round play just minutes after the tournament began.
The delay officially ended at 9:05 a.m. Eastern Time after lasting roughly two hours, but the interruption immediately reshaped the schedule for one of golf’s biggest championships. The fog settled heavily across the back nine at Shinnecock Hills, creating visibility issues serious enough for tournament officials to suspend play only about 30 minutes after the opening groups had started their rounds.
Initially, players were instructed to remain where they were for approximately fifteen minutes while officials evaluated conditions. When it became clear the fog would not clear quickly, competitors were brought back to the clubhouse to wait out the delay. Practice facilities, however, remained available during the stoppage, giving players an opportunity to stay loose while awaiting word on a restart.
Fog Brings Early U.S Open Action to a Halt
The interruption came so early in the day that only 17 golfers had managed to begin their opening rounds before play was suspended. At the time of the delay, scoring reflected how little action had occurred. Eight players shared the top spot on the leaderboard at even par, with no one able to gain meaningful separation before conditions brought everything to a standstill.
For tournament organizers, the timing could hardly have been worse. The opening round of a major championship already operates on a tightly managed schedule, and a lengthy weather delay creates logistical challenges that can affect players throughout the day.
Challenging Forecast Looms Over Shinnecock
The weather had already been a major topic of discussion leading into the championship. Forecasters were predicting challenging conditions throughout the day, including strong winds and the possibility of rain. Tournament officials acknowledged those concerns before play even began, noting Wednesday that projected wind gusts exceeding 30 miles per hour could create significant difficulties for players navigating the famously demanding layout.
Shinnecock Hills has a reputation for testing every aspect of a golfer’s game, and the prospect of high winds only increases the challenge. Firm fairways, difficult greens, and constantly changing conditions can quickly turn a routine round into a survival test, especially during a U.S. Open where par is often considered a strong score.
Top Contenders Forced to Wait
The morning delay also affected some of the sport’s biggest names. Rory McIlroy, who had originally been scheduled to tee off at 7:52 a.m. from the 10th hole, saw his start pushed back. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was also impacted after originally being slated to begin his opening round at 8:14 a.m. from the first tee.
While the fog eventually lifted enough for play to resume, the delay added another obstacle to an already difficult opening day. With strong winds still expected to arrive later in the afternoon, players face a long and potentially grueling battle just to complete the first round of the championship.
