The curtain was pulled back on the eagerly awaited US Open 2026 at Shinnecock Hills, only for a thick fog bank to swoop in like an icy punch, freezing play in its tracks. Just as momentum was building and players were hitting their stride, officials yanked the plug at 12:05 PM UK time, plunging the tournament into uncertainty.
The early starters had managed to carve out some progress before being halted mid-swing. An eight-way tie for the lead currently teeters at even par, a tantalising prospect given that not a single player has yet sunk beneath par – American amateur Ethan Fang and Jackson Suber are currently sharing top spot after just one hole each, while James Nicholas and Caleb Surratt are right on their heels, having purred along to two pars.
Shinnecock Hills is the US Open's infamous pit of despair – a links-style course that has been laying in wait for unsuspecting golfers since 1895. Its brutal reputation precedes it: no fewer than five previous tournaments have seen scoring averages hovering around the treacherous 70s, with the 2004 final round averaging an astonishing 78.7 strokes. The last time it hosted a US Open, back in 2018, just two players managed to break par.
Winds are forecast to pick up later, threatening to blow even the bravest of golfers off course. And then there's the fog – a chilling reminder that Mother Nature is still calling the shots at this unforgiving venue. It's enough to send shivers down the spines of even the most battle-hardened golf fans.
The likes of Rory McIlroy, on the hunt for his record-breaking seventh major title as Europe's top dog, will be keeping their fingers crossed that play resumes soon. Meanwhile, English hopefuls Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton are also itching to make a statement – both finished in strong contention at Shinnecock Hills four years ago, but have yet to claim a maiden major championship.