Sheffield's Matt Fitzpatrick wants a tougher course for US Open at Shinnecock Hills
Matt Fitzpatrick admitted he was disappointed to see greenkeepers watering the course at Shinnecock Hills
Former champion Matt Fitzpatrick would prefer the traditionally-tough Shinnecock Hills to get more difficult for this week’s US Open.
There have been four US Opens at the venue on Long Island, New York, in the modern era with the winners finishing one under, level, four under and one over respectively.
The last time it was here in 2018, when Brooks Koepka was victorious, there were farcical scenes with balls rolling off the super-fast greens and Phil Mickelson even opting to incur a two-stroke penalty by hitting his ball while it was still moving to prevent it disappearing off a false front only to still make a 10.
Organisers have already made some adaptations this time around with the fairways wider than usual but with winds gusting over 25mph and a lot of sun there is a balance to be struck when it comes to the pace of the putting surfaces.
Heavy rain in the early hours of Monday provided some assistance but Fitzpatrick admitted he was disappointed to see greenkeepers watering the course during the afternoon.
“I don’t particularly like playing birdie-fests. I don’t think it’s as enjoyable,” said the Sheffield golfer, who won his first and only major at Brookline four years ago – the only time he has finished higher than 12th in 11 US Open appearances.
“Take today on the 11th: the wind is pumping in from the left and I’ve chipped a five-iron in there – if there is no wind you might be hitting nine-iron.
“There was a big meltdown here last time (people saying) ‘They’ve lost the golf course’ but I don’t think they lost the golf course at all.
“It was difficult but aside from 10 and 11 if you miss the greens in the right spots and do your homework you have an opportunity to get up and down still.
“Today the greens are really soft, much softer than I thought. I know there was rain last night, I think, and it is humid, so there’s probably a bit more moisture in the greens.
“If I compare it to 2018 I remember it was actually quite firm in the practice rounds, so it might not be the case this time.
“For me personally, I want it to get as dry and firm as possible, as US Opens do, and just see where that takes us.”
The 2023 champion Wyndham Clark is “looking for redemption” this year after the defence of his title at Oakmont ended with him being suspended from the club after damaging a locker having missed the cut with a bogey at the last on the Friday.
“That was a really challenging time and something I’ve deeply regretted and feel awful that I did that but there were so many good lessons in that that really taught me a bunch,” said the American.
“I’ve really come a long way and I’m excited for this year’s Open for some redemption and to move forward.”
Clark’s successor 12 months ago JJ Spaun is bidding to become the first since Koepka in 2018 to win back-to-back titles but has missed the cut in the year’s first two majors.
“I was pretty resilient that week and I think that’s the biggest thing at US Opens, taking all the punches that are thrown at you, taking your medicine,” he said.
“The way I persevered and was resilient last year, I’ve been trying to use that since then, as well, but I think I’ll lean on that more, especially this week.”