Scottie Scheffler carded a two-under 72 in Thursday's opening round at Shinnecock Hills, calling the windy conditions a 'good battle' that punished even quality shots. The world No. 1 managed just six players from the morning wave breaking 70, highlighting the difficulty of the setup.

The USGA took proactive measures to address concerns about 40 mph gusts, reducing green speeds and syringing surfaces between wave rotations. These adjustments prevented balls from blowing off greens while maintaining the course's challenge. Shinnecock Hills has a history of controversy, with no player breaking par in 2004's final round and chaotic conditions in 2018.

Rory McIlroy bounced back from his 2018 opening 80 with a one-under 69, praising the 'prudent' setup that kept greens slow and receptive. Playing partner JJ Spaun watched his par-three tee shot roll into a bunker, illustrating the treacherous conditions. Padraig Harrington called the setup 'very, very fair' despite the strong winds.

Keegan Bradley shot 70 and acknowledged the USGA's smart course preparation, noting faster greens could have prevented play altogether. With winds expected to ease over the final three days, Scheffler's opening round positions him well in his quest for the career Grand Slam.