Dense fog at Shinnecock Hills delayed Thursday’s play at the 2026 U.S. Open by two hours, forcing a reshuffled Friday schedule. Players completing their first round will return at 6:35 a.m. ET to immediately begin their second round, while afternoon players may benefit from calmer wind conditions experienced during the later waves.
How does weather-induced scheduling change tournament strategy?
Weather delays at major championships often force organizers to compress schedules, which alters how players approach their rounds. According to the official tournament groupings, players who did not finish their first round on Thursday must return to the course at 6:35 a.m. ET on Friday. These golfers will transition directly into their second-round tee times, which have been delayed by 15 minutes from the original schedule.
This compressed format removes the traditional buffer between rounds. For example, Wyndham Clark, Dustin Johnson, and Gary Woodland—who currently sit at a combined 10 under par—will finish their first round at the 7th green before heading to the 1st tee at 7:46 a.m. to start their second round. This lack of recovery time requires players to maintain high levels of mental focus over a much longer continuous period of play.
Can afternoon tee times provide a lasting competitive advantage?
The timing of a player’s tee time can significantly impact their scoring potential due to changing environmental conditions. At the 2026 U.S. Open, the afternoon wave on Thursday saw an advantage as winds died down, allowing for lower scores. This trend suggests that players scheduled for later slots may find more consistent playing conditions than those facing morning fog or high winds.
The schedule shows a clear divide in player experience based on these windows. While the morning groups battle to complete their rounds in the early hours, the afternoon wave includes heavy hitters like Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, and Tommy Fleetwood, who tee off at 2:02 p.m. on the 1st tee. Similarly, Scottie Scheffler, looking to recover from a 72, will start his second round at 2:24 p.m. off the 10th tee.
If weather patterns remain stable, the advantage held by afternoon players could widen. This creates a strategic tension between the players who lead early and those who benefit from more favorable atmospheric conditions later in the day.
Comparing the Field’s Momentum
The leaderboard reflects two different types of momentum heading into Friday:
- The Early Leaders: Wyndham Clark and his group are managing the pressure of maintaining a lead while facing immediate back-to-back play.
- The Afternoon Chasers: Players like Bryson DeChambeau and Matt Fitzpatrick, who tee off at 7:45 a.m., are positioned to capitalize on the stability of the mid-morning window.
What are the physical risks of back-to-back round scheduling?
The requirement for players to play two rounds in rapid succession introduces physical fatigue as a primary variable. When players like Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland must turn around and head straight to the 1st tee after finishing the 9th hole, they bypass the standard rest and nutrition period that usually separates rounds.
This scheduling shift can lead to a drop in precision during the second round. Professional golfers rely on specific routines and physical warm-ups between rounds to maintain shot consistency. According to the updated tee times, the 15-minute delay in second-round starts is a direct consequence of trying to manage this logistical hurdle while maintaining the flow of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the first tee time on Friday?
The first tee times for Friday’s first round begin at 6:50 a.m. ET on the No. 1 tee.
Who is currently leading the 2026 U.S. Open?
Wyndham Clark is among the leaders, part of a group including Dustin Johnson and Gary Woodland that is 10 under par.
Why was the tournament delayed on Thursday?
Dense fog caused a two-hour delay in play on Thursday morning at Shinnecock Hills.
How does the fog delay affect the second round?
Players who did not finish their first round will play their second round immediately after completing their first, starting as early as 6:35 a.m. ET.
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