US Open 2026: US Open Golf at Shinnecock Hills Resumes After Weather Delay
- According to official tournament communications and reporting from The Guardian, the disruption impacted early play, though Rory McIlroy managed a solid start before the weather intervened.
- The decision to restart play was announced via an official tournament update.
- The Guardian reported that Rory McIlroy was among the players who began their round before the weather disruption.
Round 1 of the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills resumed at 9:05 a.m. ET on June 18, 2026, following weather delays. According to official tournament communications and reporting from The Guardian, the disruption impacted early play, though Rory McIlroy managed a solid start before the weather intervened.
The decision to restart play was announced via an official tournament update. The announcement confirmed the 9:05 a.m. ET resumption time, providing a window for golfers to complete their opening round after a suspension of play.
The Guardian reported that Rory McIlroy was among the players who began their round before the weather disruption. The outlet described McIlroy’s early performance as a “solid start,” though specific scoring details for the remainder of the field remained fluid as players returned to the course.
Shinnecock Hills is known for its exposure to coastal weather patterns, which often create volatile playing conditions. The delay on June 18, 2026, reflects the venue’s history of weather-related interruptions during major championships.
Why was the U.S. Open delayed on June 18, 2026?
Play was suspended due to weather conditions that made the course unsafe or unplayable for the competitors. While the specific nature of the weather was not detailed in the resumption notice, the tournament organizers halted play to ensure athlete safety.
This disruption created a fragmented start to the tournament. Some players completed a significant portion of their round, while others were delayed entirely, a common occurrence at Shinnecock Hills due to its geographic location on Long Island.
In a contrast to the golf disruptions, reports indicated that sporting events at the Oval continued without similar weather-related stoppages on the same date.
How did Rory McIlroy perform before the disruption?
Rory McIlroy navigated the early stages of the first round before the weather forced a hiatus. The Guardian characterized his progress as a “solid start,” indicating he remained competitive as the field faced the challenging Shinnecock layout.
McIlroy’s ability to maintain a steady score early in the round is a significant factor given the difficulty of the course. The U.S. Open typically features narrow fairways and thick rough, which can lead to high scores when weather conditions deteriorate.
What happens next for the first round at Shinnecock Hills?
Following the 9:05 a.m. ET restart on June 18, 2026, the tournament aims to complete the opening round. The scheduling of the subsequent rounds may be adjusted if the weather continues to impede play.
The U.S. Open utilizes a stroke-play format over four days. Any further delays on June 18 could result in a condensed schedule or the use of a reserve day to ensure all players complete the required 72 holes.
Tournament officials continue to monitor weather radars to determine if further suspensions are necessary. Players are currently working through their remaining holes to establish the leaderboard for the second round.