Round one of the 126th U.S. Open was suspended and extended due to severe weather delays on Thursday [1], [2].
The disruptions at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club impacted the tournament schedule and forced players to complete their opening rounds under irregular timing. Because the U.S. Open is one of the most grueling tests in professional golf, these delays create physical and mental challenges for the field as they transition into the second round.
Play began on June 18, 2026, in Southampton, New York [1], [3]. However, early-morning fog created an initial two-hour delay [4]. As the day progressed, the combination of wind and encroaching darkness forced officials to suspend play late in the afternoon [2], [4].
These conditions prevented the field from finishing the first round on the scheduled day. The tournament organizers extended the round into the following morning to ensure all competitors completed their holes before the start of Round 2 on Friday, June 19, 2026 [2], [3].
The weather at Shinnecock Hills, known for its challenging coastal environment, played a significant role in the timing of the event. The suspension meant that some golfers had to wait several hours between their final holes of the first round and the beginning of the second round.
Officials monitored the wind and visibility closely throughout Thursday to determine when it was safe to resume. The decision to push the finish to early Friday morning was necessary to maintain the integrity of the competition across the field [2].
“Round 1 of the 126th U.S. Open was suspended and extended due to severe weather delays”
Weather-induced delays in major championships often disrupt the momentum of favorites and favor players who can adapt quickly to fragmented schedules. At Shinnecock Hills, the combination of fog and wind not only delayed the clock but increased the physical toll on golfers who had to restart their competitive rhythm on Friday morning.
