Something's missing at this U.S. Open: cursin', kvetchin' and complaints

This U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills has, unusually, drawn praise for the course setup and conditions rather than complaints. In Southampton, New York, the 126th edition faced Atlantic winds, greens with retained moisture, and unusually wide fairways that still demanded accuracy. Keegan Bradley, last year’s Ryder Cup captain, lauded the USGA for 'a great job' after posting a 70. Rory McIlroy navigated a two-hour fog delay and humid air to finish at 69, while his playing partners Tommy Fleetwood (70) and Ludvig Åberg (69) provided strong support. The purse stands at $22 million, underscoring the event’s prestige and player interest in favorable conditions. Brooks Koepka, a two-time Open champion, described the greens as softer than expected, acknowledging the rationale behind the setup. Play moved at times slowly, with the trio of McIlroy, Fleetwood, and Åberg taking nearly five hours and 40 minutes to complete their rounds. Overall, the day showcased a rare consensus among competitors that the layout and conditions were fair and well managed despite the challenging winds.