Shinnecock Hills has a reputation as one of the hardest courses in the world, but why is it such a stiff challenge?

Earning membership at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is an honor, as it's one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the US.

The U.S. Open coverage begins Thursday, with live broadcasts on NBC, USA Network, NBCSN and the Golf Channel throughout the tournament. For fans seeking even more access, streaming options will be available on Peacock, and extensive featured group coverage will stream live on the USGA App and USOpen.com.

The USGA is under fire after softening Shinnecock Hills greens at the 126th U.S. Open, with Wyndham Clark leading at 6-under after opening round.

A slice of golf history merges with a piece of American history whenever the U.S. Open returns to one of its most storied landscapes, Shinnecock Hills.

The U.S. Open returns to historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on the far eastern end of Long Island, New York, June 18-21. The course is the only venue to hold U.S. Opens in three centuries (1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2018 and now 2026). Here’s what to know ...

Sam Burns ( +4000 ): In addition to pacing the field in true strokes gained putting in 2026, Burns has consecutive Top 10s at the U.S. Open and has spiked in both true strokes gained on approaches (+0.95) and around-the-green (+0.51) across his past three events.

The 2026 U.S. Open returns to Shinnecock Hills, one of golf's toughest courses. See betting picks including Bryson DeChambeau and Russell Henley.

Jonathan Moore has seen something like this before. Back in 2007, when the now Oklahoma head coach was an amateur himself, he played on a Walker Cup team that featured Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Webb Simpson and won at Royal County Down Golf Club.

From local qualifying to golf's toughest setups, no major feels more connected to the game the rest of us actually play.