The golfing calendar turns to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club this week as it once again plays host to the US Open.
J.J. Spaun enters the tournament as the defending champion, having claimed his maiden major win at Oakmont Country Club this time last year.
But also looking to clinch success is Brooks Koepka, who won the US Open the last time it was held at Shinnecock Hills in 2018.
The event posed a huge challenge to the world’s top golfers, with Koepka eventually getting his hands on the trophy after finishing his week on one-over.
New York’s Shinnecock Hills did indeed come under fire during the 2018 US Open, particularly from Zach Johnson.
Zach Johnson’s big complaint about Shinnecock Hills at the 2018 US Open
Johnson issued a big complaint immediately after his third round, when a two-over 72 took him to eight-over for the week.
He was asked by Sky Sports Golf in Long Island: “Where is the golf course right now in terms of fairness versus playability? Are we on the edge?”
Johnson replied: “Ahh, no, we’re not on the edge.
“I thought we could be on the edge, but we’ve surpassed it.
“Yeah it’s pretty much gone, specifically the latter part of the day for us was… it’s pretty much shot, which is unfortunate.
“Because it’s in my opinion some of the best land, and certainly one of the best venues in all of golf, specifically in this country.
“It’s as good as it gets.
“Shinnecock Hills is beautiful, but unfortunately, they’ve lost the golf course.”
Big Brooks Koepka concern ahead of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills
Johnson certainly wasn’t happy in New York eight years ago, although he did finish on eight-over following a final round 70.
He ended his week in a tie for 12th, with his fellow American Koepka claiming his second major win with a one-shot win over Tommy Fleetwood.
Both Koepka and Fleetwood are in the field for this year’s US Open, having just competed at the RBC Canadian Open.
But there is a major concern for the former, who withdrew before his final round at TPC Toronto because of a hand injury.
Very frustratingly, Koepka was really impressing shortly before his withdrawal, having been tied for the lead after his opening round.
He carded rounds of 64 and 68 in rounds one and two respectively before his hand trouble clearly played a part in his third round 72.
It remains to be seen how it will impact him for Shinnecock Hills, with round one of the major set to get underway on Thursday.
Read more:
The score that Rick Shiels shot at Shinnecock Hills just before the start of the U.S. Open
Why Bryson DeChambeau will be delighted about the USGA’s change at Shinnecock ahead of the US Open
What Jon Rahm has been doing in preparation for the US Open with LIV Golf on break
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