The USGA sets this course up to be the hardest test in golf. Narrow fairways, thick rough, and lightning-fast greens. 'Par is a good score.' This eliminates 'Birdie Machines' who spray the ball. You must back 'Fairway Finders' and 'Grinders',players who can scramble for par from difficult positions. Shinnecock is exposed to the wind; if the forecast is gusty, European players (used to links golf) often gain an edge over American 'target golf' players.
Golf is a large field over several rounds, so course setup, rough height, green speed and wind windows shape the leaderboard as much as form. Draw luck matters when conditions differ between early and late starters. Scoring format, whether strokes or matchplay, changes how aggressive players can afford to be. Attention usually sits on outright and each way prices, top finishing groups, matchups between two players and made cut markets.
Add the event to your calendar to keep the start time as the schedule is confirmed. Kick-off times are checked against the official schedule every week, so this page follows any change.