In the lead-up to the 126th U.S. Open, Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler visited Shinnecock Hills Golf Club for a practice round. This visit occurred shortly before the tournament, which is set to take place later this month. Both players noted the course's wide fairways, which they found to be more generous than in previous years, particularly compared to the challenging conditions of the 2018 U.S. Open. McIlroy specifically mentioned that the first cut of rough is five inches long, indicating that players who miss the fairway will face significant challenges. The 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills was marked by severe green conditions, leading to controversy and frustration among players, including Phil Mickelson, who famously swatted a moving golf ball in anger. This year, McIlroy expressed confidence in the course setup, stating that if managed correctly, Shinnecock Hills could provide one of the best championship tests in the country. He emphasized the importance of the USGA getting the setup right to ensure a fair and competitive tournament. Scheffler echoed McIlroy's sentiments, acknowledging the difficulty of the green complexes while appreciating the opportunities presented by the wider fairways. He noted that the course's design allows for challenging pin placements, which could lead to high scores if the conditions are set up to be particularly tough. Both players are preparing for a competitive week ahead, with McIlroy aiming to add to his major championship titles. As the U.S. Open approaches, the focus will be on how the course is prepared and whether it can provide a fair challenge for the players. The contrasting experiences from past tournaments at Shinnecock Hills highlight the ongoing evolution of the course and the importance of course management in major championships.