Rory McIlroy recorded consecutive birdies on holes 11 and 12 during the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open on Thursday.
The strong start by the six-time major champion provides critical momentum in a tournament known for its difficulty and unpredictable coastal weather. A quick start at Shinnecock Hills often dictates the pace for the remainder of the opening round.
The event at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, faced immediate challenges from the elements. Morning fog caused a two-hour delay [1] for McIlroy's tee time, disrupting the initial rhythm of the field.
Weather instability continued to plague the early stages of the competition. Play was suspended at 7:05 a.m. ET [3] after only 30 minutes of action [2]. At the time of the suspension, 18 players [5] had teed off.
Despite the fragmented start, McIlroy managed to find his form as the round progressed. The back-to-back birdies on the 11th and 12th holes served as a pivotal swing in his scoring, allowing him to recover from the early atmospheric delays.
The field for the 2026 U.S. Open consists of 156 players [4]. Navigating the layout of Shinnecock Hills requires precision, particularly when the schedule is interrupted by the heavy fog common to the Long Island coast.
McIlroy's ability to maintain focus through the two-hour delay [1] and subsequent play suspensions highlights the mental endurance required for major championships. The birdie streak on the back nine positions him well as the tournament moves into the subsequent rounds.
“Rory McIlroy recorded consecutive birdies on holes 11 and 12”
McIlroy's early success despite significant weather disruptions suggests a high level of mental resilience. In a field of 156 players, the ability to maintain scoring efficiency after a fragmented start often separates contenders from the rest of the pack, especially at a venue as demanding as Shinnecock Hills.
