Matt Fitzpatrick said he is hoping that the greens at Shinnecock Hills will become as dry and firm as possible for this week’s U.S. Open, welcoming the prospect of a demanding test as he prepares for the third Major Championship of the year.
The World Number Four, who finished tied 12th here in 2018 when the U.S. Open was last played at Shinnecock Hills, made clear during his pre‑tournament press conference that he believes the course is at its best when the set‑up is tough.
"I really like the golf course, he said on Monday.
"It's looking great already. Actually a little bit disappointed that they're out there watering it right now.
"For me personally, I want it to get as dry and firm U.S. Opens here. Fairways are a little bit wider than last time, as well."
His reasoning is straightforward, centering on the fact that he prefers a challenge that rewards patience, discipline and thoughtful course management rather than a week dominated by low scoring.
The course itself received plenty of scrutiny last time around, but Fitzpatrick said he felt that reaction was exaggerated and that he welcomes a proper test during a week like this.
“I think the biggest thing for me is that I don’t particularly like playing birdie‑fests. I don’t think it’s as enjoyable as having to… take today on the 11th hole, for example — the wind is pumping in off the left, and I’ve chipped a 5‑iron in there. If there’s no wind, you might be hitting 9‑iron or whatever. To me, it’s more of a test of controlling your ball if it is windy, if it is firm.
“Obviously there was a big… what’s the right word… meltdown of, ‘oh, they’ve lost the golf course, they’ve lost the golf course.’ I never believed they lost it. I don’t think they lost the golf course at all here. For me, it was difficult, and the strength of this golf course is the greens and the difficulty of the greens.”
He added that even at its most severe, Shinnecock remains fair for those who prepare properly and miss in the correct areas.
“I do believe, aside from maybe 10 and 11, if you miss the greens in the right spots and do your homework, you have opportunities to get up‑and‑down still. That is a patience thing. That is a skill in course management, in hitting good shots that are on the green in those tough times.
“If I compare it to 2018, I remember the practice rounds being quite firm, so it might not be the case this time. But, like I say, it’s in great shape, and I know it’s going to be a good test.”
Fitzpatrick, who finished second at the RBC Canadian Open last week, now comes into the third Major of the year with plenty of confidence thanks to an impressive run of results that includes three victories on the PGA Tour.
The 31‑year‑old, who won the 2025 season‑ending DP World Tour Championship, hasn’t missed a cut anywhere since April last year, which is a level of consistency that has underpinned his rise.
As he prepares to go in search of a second Major title, Fitzpatrick was quick to credit the team around him for helping elevate his performances throughout 2026. He pointed to improvements in his iron play, a clearer understanding of his tendencies, and the support structure that has allowed him to contend week after week.
“I’ve always liked to feel like I praise my team a lot,” he said. “They put in a lot of hard work for me and try to help me become the best player I can be. Mark Blackburn has done a brilliant job from a technical standpoint on my swing. My iron swing is very different to what it was in the past, and that’s been the biggest change this year.”
He added that the improvements have given him more opportunities to capitalise when his putting is sharp. “Looking at the stats this season, it’s a case of hitting the ball closer and taking advantage of that. When I putt well, I know I can take those chances.
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Bryan Angus (edit)
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