The weekend at Shinnecock Hills has all the makings of one of the best and most exciting US Opens in recent history.
Wyndham Clark leads the US Open after 36 holes on seven-under par, after firing rounds of 64 and 69.
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He has a whole host of players sitting on three-under par ready to pounce over the weekend at Shinnecock Hills.
The golf course at Shinnecock Hills is yet to truly show its teeth during US Open week, but that is all set to change this weekend.
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The USGA have actually received criticism from some sections of golf fans for the way they have set up Shinnecock this week.
Graeme McDowell even suggested that Shinnecock was too easy on day one, with the soft greens enabling players to hold their approach shots, even from the rough.
The USGA have warned the players ahead of the weekend at the US Open
While the course may have been gettable at times during the first two rounds, the USGA are set to turn it up a notch or two this week.
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According to Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis, the entire field have been warned about the changes to the golf course that will be coming on Saturday.
“Players in the field just received a text from the USGA,” Lewis said.
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“Instead of 10 1/2 on the Stimp that was used on Thursday and Friday, they are upping the speed to 11 on the Stimp.
“The USGA is telling the players to expect firmer and faster conditions Saturday and Sunday.“
If the greens are faster and firmer this weekend, we can fully expect Wyndham Clark to come back to the field.
It will just depend on whether anyone is able to shoot a decent enough score to catch him.
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Why the USGA have nailed the setup at Shinnecock
In my opinion, the USGA have absolutely nailed it with their setup of the golf course.
Some fans may have wanted to see firmer and faster greens but the USGA had to be careful.
Ahead of the tournament, the wind gusts were forecast to surpass 50 mph at times.
So it would have been entirely irresponsible of the USGA to have the greens running at 11 or 12 on the Stimpmeter.
It would also have been remiss of them not to water the greens heavily throughout the day.
Due to the USGA’s conservative approach, they can now afford to ramp things up over the weekend.
Do not be surprised if a score near even-par wins the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
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