The par-3 seventh hole at Shinnecock Hills challenged golfers during the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open on Thursday. Players described the 180-yard hole as tricky and penalizing amid strong winds. It ranked as the third-hardest hole of the day with a 3.48 stroke average.
Tommy Fleetwood noted the wind and sloping green after hitting his tee shot to 27 feet. He questioned how disciplined players must be on such a demanding shot.
Sam Stevens, who shot 68 for the early lead, called the hole the trickiest he faced. He hit a 6-iron from about 175 yards but stressed the need for a perfect shot to hold the green.
The hole features an elevated Redan-style green with bunkers on both sides. Gusts up to 40 mph pushed balls toward trouble on the left, while shots landing short rolled back down the slope. Cameron Smith made a 6, and several others recorded bogeys or worse.
History shows the seventh hole can play even tougher. In 2004 it ranked among the hardest at the Open here, and conditions may firm up further this weekend.
