Publication by EssentiallySports |
June 18, 2026 | Edition #318 |
👋 {{readername | Hey, golf fans}},
Before you dive into the latest coverage from Shinnecock Hills, we’ve got a special gift: a U.S. Open Handbook. We dove into the history of golf’s second-oldest men’s major to curate the best stories and collected them all in one place. Scroll down to read a special note from our editor and click the version you prefer to open the handbook.
In this edition, we’ll also talk about Scottie and Rory’s strategies for tackling Shinnecock, a breakdown of how to play the seventh, and more. Also don’t forget to participate in our U.S. Open Prediction Challenge and earn exciting rewards.
Let’s get swinging…
Scottie and Rory have a simple strategy for Shinnecock.
Rory McIlroy: Rory is preaching the gospel of patience at Long Island. He still remembers 2018, when he missed the cut and learned how savage the wind can be. His game plan is simple and pragmatic this time.
Aim for the center of the green, then work toward the flag from there. Rory also offered a demonstration of that nifty approach. From six feet, instead of aiming toward the hole, Rory putted the ball toward the fringe. Why? To use the slope. And the result? We won’t spoil the surprise; just watch it below.
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Can Rory Hit a More Ridiculous Shot?
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Scottie Scheffler: A win this week could give Scottie his career grand slam. Although he says he isn’t “motivated” by it, the temptation to join the most exclusive group of golfers is definitely high. Scheffler has four top 10s in the last five starts at the U.S. Open. But a five-month stretch without a win has made him a touch restless—chucking his ball into the water was just one part of it.
But the World No. 1 also spoke of “an element of patience” in managing Shinnecock. This week, Scheffler says brisk winds and fast, undulating greens will often send the ball to spots you’d rather avoid. And he is right. If you thought Oakmont’s rough was brutal, check out this clip Bryson shot at Shinnecock. Can you even see the ball?
Miles Russell: At 17 years and seven months, Miles is the youngest player this week, but don’t dismiss the two-time AJGA Player of the Year. Before you ask, no, Charlie Woods is not caddying for him this week, like he did at the final qualifying. Ramon Bescansa, who caddied for Russell Knox at the 2018 U.S. Open, will be on his bag. Take a look at Miles practicing at Shinnecock. The kid is gunning for more than just low amateur honors.
Inspired by the U.S. Open and the golfing heritage of Long Island, our latest collection celebrates the places that have shaped the game we love.
Coastal Morning Coffee Mug — A reminder of the simple pleasure of coffee before golf.
Essential Golf Towel — A dependable companion designed for the rounds that matter.
Long Island Landmark Towel — Celebrating the iconic lighthouse of Long Island.
The Golfer's Pour Whiskey Glass — Perfect for reliving great rounds with friends.
New York Golf Coaster — A subtle tribute to one of golf's most historic regions.
For those who appreciate the history as much as the competition, this collection celebrates a place, a championship, and the enduring spirit of the game. Explore the collection below.
It seems hard, but it plays harder.
We’ll let the stats tell the story for the par‑3 seventh at Shinnecock Hills. In 2018, it had a scoring average of 3.235. It’s a classic Redan—see its beauty in this short drone video. And of course, it is a diabolical hole, but you can tame it.
Aim for the front-right portion of the green. Let the slope funnel the ball toward the hole. Use the contours rather than trying to attack the flag directly.
Avoid being long here. Stay out of the bunkers and control distance and trajectory. Even though the hole is not long, the elevated green helps the ball stop.
Avoid misses to the right. Short-left misses are easier to recover from than right-side or long misses. You can never be too careful here—just look at Michael Kim’s yardage book markings to see how many zones to avoid.
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Sneak Peek into PGA Tour Pro's Yardage Book at Shinnecock
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It’s ridiculously difficult, so expect high scores here. Want to tame another difficult U.S. Open venue, Oakmont? Check out how to do that below.
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Skill Up Further💡
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Hey folks! Welcome to the Essentially Golf Prediction Challenge!
Show off your golf instinct by making U.S. Open picks. It’s not limited to predicting the names of winners. No, you’ve got a chance to bring the golf analyst inside you and predict scores, possible records, and more.
Stack up points. Work your way up the rankings. And earn a chance to walk away with a $25 gift card. We’ve explained the scoring system below.
Weekly Prize: Top scorer each week grabs a sweet $25 gift card — yep, a reward for being right.
Season Prizes: After the regular season, the Top 5 overall get end-of-season rewards. Bigger stage, bigger flex!
Cometh the major, cometh Jason Day. The Aussie was spotted on the range at Shinnecock in another of his straight-outta-Met-Gala outfits.
The USGA and R&A released a joint statement on golf ball rollback. This certainly changes things.
Scottie Scheffler’s desire to win the U.S. Open does not stem from completing the career grand slam. It’s quite different, he insists.
You can't go wrong with the food and drink at the U.S. Open this week.
If you’re at Shinnecock this week and someone asks you what you want to eat, respond with, “Which one do you like better?” Because you are definitely going to find a lot of great options this week, including the U.S. Open’s signature drink, “The Lemon Wedge.” It’s made with Dewar’s 12-year-old whisky, a splash of club soda, and plenty of fresh lemon. You can easily mix one up at home as well—here’s how.
If you’re not ready for a tipple, “The Village on 17” also has assorted Brooklyn’s own Stuf’d sandwiches, Pat LaFrieda sandwiches, other hearty plates, and a classic Caesar salad. Oh, you can also get a Nathan’s Hot Dog. It’s a delectable week at Shinnecock, and we wish everyone visiting Long Island a happy U.S. Open week.
Looking for cool, edgy songs about golf? Well, your search ends here with our list.
Diane Young: Vampire Weekend’s song is a play on the phrase “Dying young,” but don’t let that fool you. Give it a listen here.
Stoned Cold Pro: The Oscar-nominated director, Gus Van Sant, dedicated this one to a pro who both drinks a little and a lot. Buy the album here.
It's a Big Old Goofy World: The late John Prine gives the game only a passing reference, but it’s a classic for a reason.
Straight Down The Middle: Bing Crosby sang the first pop song about golf for a movie called "Honor Caddy." Listen to the classic here.
Q. Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!: Devo dedicated an entire album to golf after being inspired by Chi Chi Rodriguez. Listen to it here.
Thank you for reading this edition of Essentially Golf.
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