Why is Shinnecock Hills the gnarliest U.S. Open test? It starts with triangles

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, will host the 2026 U.S. Open, marking the national championship's return to the 135-year-old course. Designed by architect William Flynn, the venue is renowned for its extreme difficulty, with only two players finishing under par across the last two U.S. Opens held there. The course's notorious challenge stems from its triangular design features, coastal winds, and canted greens, which have historically overwhelmed both players and USGA course setup officials.