Emerging
Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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US Open Delayed by Fog at Shinnecock Hills on Opening Day
The U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills was delayed by fog on Thursday morning, just thirty minutes after play began, marking the first such postponement of the opening round since 2021. Fourteen players completed their initial holes before low visibility forced a two-hour stoppage, with the first round expected to extend into Friday.
Quick Facts
Who
Scottie Scheffler
What
US Open first round delayed by fog
When
Thursday morning
Where
Shinnecock Hills
- US Open first round delayed by fog
- Play halted 30 minutes after start
- 14 players completed opening holes
- Players held on course for 15 minutes then brought back in
- Play resumed after 2-hour delay
The U.S. Open experienced an unusual weather disruption on Thursday morning at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, when fog forced officials to halt play just thirty minutes after the tournament began. Fourteen players managed to complete their opening holes without recording any birdies before the horn sounded to stop play due to low visibility. Officials kept players on the course for fifteen minutes to assess conditions, but when visibility did not improve, they were brought back in.
The delay lasted two hours before play resumed. This marks the first time the opening round of the U.S. Open has been postponed due to fog since 2021 at Torrey Pines in San Diego, which was delayed for 90 minutes and required completion the following morning. Poor visibility on the par-3 11th green and certain landing areas made it impossible for officials to safely continue play, despite the fairways being wide enough—averaging 48 yards in width—to prevent ball-finding issues.
Opening player James Nicholas approached the starter to confirm they were still on schedule, noting he could not see the fairway from the tee. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, attempting to complete his career Grand Slam with a U.S. Open title, and Rory McIlroy were among the players waiting on the practice range for their morning tee times when the fog rolled in.
The USGA had prepared the course expecting strong winds with gusts potentially approaching 40 miles per hour, but the morning conditions lacked sufficient wind to disperse the fog. Tournament organizers face the likelihood that play may not be completed on the opening day, with first-round completion potentially extending into Friday.
Topics
Why This Matters
This weather disruption highlights the unpredictability of major golf championships and its impact on tournament scheduling. For fans and betting enthusiasts, the delay affects viewing schedules and tournament outcomes. For players like world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler pursuing his Grand Slam, poor conditions can disrupt momentum and preparation strategies. The incident also demonstrates how elite golf venues must contend with environmental challenges that can override even the best course design and preparation.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireU.S. Open first round begins at Shinnecock Hills
Jun 18, 2026
WirePlay stopped by fog after 30 minutes; 14 players had completed opening holes
Jun 18, 2026
WirePlayers held on course for 15 minutes; conditions do not improve, players brought back in
Jun 18, 2026
WirePlay resumes after 2-hour delay