The U.S Open is finally here. Take a look at a drastically changed Shinnecock. Holes seventeen and eighteen are featured here with descriptions from the boys at the USGA.
The major recent change to this hole is the restoration of an area of putting surface at the back left, which creates an opportunity to add a hole location. The prevailing breeze is a cross-wind from the player’s left, and factored with the angle of the green, a very precise shot is required. A player who bails out just a bit to the right could find himself in the bunker, because the angle of the green and the cross-breeze will accentuate the miss.
The finishing hole features a new tee that adds 35 yards and creates more of a blind tee shot. The prevailing breeze is from right to left off the tee, with more of a helping wind on the second shot. The preferred tee shot is to the right side of the fairway, both for a better look at the green as well as a better angle of approach, although the player is likely to only see part of the flagstick. The green has a decent amount of pitch from back to front.
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