DUBLIN, Ohio — Scottie Scheffler might be seeking to win his third straight Memorial this week, however the world’s No. 1 golfer will make a fast cease at a distinct course and attempt to make historical past later this month.
Scheffler made his first go to Monday to Sinek Hills Golf Membership in Southampton, New York, the place the 126th U.S. Open might be held from June 18 to June 21.
Scheffler turns into the seventh golfer to finish a profession Grand Slam when he provides the U.S. Open title to his two Masters wins and the PGA Championship and British Open Championship wins he gained final yr.
“It was my first time on the property,” Scheffler mentioned Wednesday at a information convention at Muirfield Village Golf Membership. “It was as anticipated. I had heard rumors that the greens had been tough. I used to be a bit shocked by how large the fairways had been, however the inexperienced advanced was very tough and I feel that is the largest problem.”
Scheffler will as soon as once more be one of many favorites to win the US Open. He has completed within the prime 10 in 4 of his final 5 match appearances, together with a tie for second at The Nation Membership in Brookline, Mass., in 2022.
“The tough was additionally a extremely good penalty contemplating the width,” Scheffler mentioned of Sinek Hills Golf Membership. “When you begin lacking the green, you do not have an opportunity. However the fairway is forgiving sufficient to offer you an opportunity. Then the inexperienced advanced is simply very tough. To allow them to put the pin the place they need and rating as excessive as they need.”
The final time Sinek hosted the U.S. Open was in 2018, when Brooks Koepka’s successful rating was 1 over.
The US Golf Affiliation has been criticized by golfers for neglecting course situations, together with the velocity of burnt greens. Phil Mickelson infamously hit a transferring ball on the thirteenth inexperienced out of frustration and shot a ten on the par-4 after receiving a two-stroke penalty.
Rory McIlroy, who accomplished a profession Grand Slam in 2024 by successful back-to-back Masters for the primary time, additionally confronted Sinek on Monday. He agreed with Scheffler’s opinion that the fairways had been forgiving, however mentioned the tough was very robust.
“It is extra beneficiant than in 2018, however the first minimize of the tough is 5 inches lengthy,” McIlroy mentioned. “So the primary minimize might be three paces large after which it is like going into fescue. So if you happen to miss the green by even a yard, you are (penalized), however you should not (miss).”
“The golf green may be very, very large, so if you happen to miss the green, you are certain to have a foul lie.”
McIlroy mentioned the greens at Shinnecock had been nonetheless inexperienced and had about 11.2 revolutions on the Stimpmeter on Monday.
“I actually do not suppose they should be that quick,” he mentioned. “If I can keep my inexperienced velocity, I feel I can arrange properly and use the outlet positions I need to use with out having to battle like I’ve in the previous few U.S. Opens.”
“So, for me, it is all about ensuring they preserve the inexperienced speeds the place they’re and do not let it get too out of hand. I feel it is going to be an important week. If it is arrange accurately, I feel it is going to be probably the greatest championship checks within the nation. I imply, it is an important golf course.”
This week, Scheffler has an opportunity to turn out to be the primary golfer since Tiger Woods (1999-2001) to win three consecutive Memorial titles.
Scheffler hasn’t gained since making his first begin of the season on Jan. 22 at American Specific. He has been runner-up 3 times, together with the Masters. He leads the tour in strokes gained (2.221) however ranks fifteenth in approaches (.521) and placing (.506).
“This yr, I felt like we had been one step nearer,” Scheffler mentioned. “I felt like I wasn’t as sharp as I needed to be. Should you take a look at the margins on this recreation, the margins are fairly small. Statistically, I feel I am most likely not that far off from the place I have been the previous few years. Only a couple hits or so.”
