The opening round of the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills was interrupted almost immediately Thursday morning after dense fog forced officials to suspend play. The United States Golf Association (USGA) halted competition at 7:05 a.m. ET, with visibility deteriorating across the course and only 14 players having completed a hole.
The suspension came before several of the tournament’s biggest names had teed off. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, four-time major champion Rory McIlroy, and two-time U.S. Open winner Brooks Koepka were among the players preparing for their opening rounds when play was stopped.
The delay adds another layer of uncertainty to a day that was already expected to be challenging. Tournament officials had been preparing for strong winds and possible storms throughout Thursday, prompting adjustments to course setup ahead of the championship’s opening round.
USGA Provides Latest Update on U.S. Open Weather Delay
HeavyUS Open signage is displayed on course prior to the 126th U.S. OPEN at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
The USGA initially announced that players would remain in position for 15 minutes after play was suspended at 7:05 a.m. ET due to fog.
As visibility failed to improve, officials later brought players off the course and into the clubhouse while continuing to monitor conditions around Shinnecock Hills. Practice facilities remained open during the delay.
Following nearly two hours of waiting, the USGA confirmed that Round 1 of the U.S. Open will resume at 9:05 a.m. ET.
The stoppage came before most of the field had begun play. According to tournament officials, only 14 players completed a hole before the suspension was announced.
The delay was categorized as a non-dangerous weather stoppage, with limited visibility being the primary issue rather than lightning or severe weather.
Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka Await Start at Shinnecock Hills
Several marquee groups had not yet reached their scheduled tee times when the delay occurred.
Brooks Koepka was scheduled to tee off at 7:30 a.m. ET, while Rory McIlroy’s opening round was set to begin at 7:52 a.m. ET. Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked player in the world, was due to start at 8:14 a.m. ET.
All three players were on the practice range preparing for their rounds when officials suspended play.
The timing of the delay is notable because Thursday was already expected to be among the toughest days of the championship. Officials have been monitoring forecasts calling for strong winds and potential storms later in the day, with gusts expected to reach 40 mph.
Tournament staff also made several setup adjustments before play began. Green speeds were reduced and hole locations were modified amid concerns that weather conditions could significantly impact play as the day progresses.
Shinnecock Hills has long been known for producing demanding U.S. Open conditions, and weather has frequently played a major role in determining scoring throughout the championship’s history.
With play now scheduled to resume at 9:05 a.m. ET, competitors will finally be able to begin navigating what is expected to be a challenging opening round at one of golf’s most iconic venues.
The focus now shifts back to the course as Scheffler, McIlroy, Koepka and the rest of the field continue their pursuit of the 126th U.S. Open title.
Weather Delay at US Open: When Will Play Resume?