06/19/2026
Hole 10 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is one of the most recognizable and photographed holes in championship golf. While your graphic labels it as a par 3, the actual 10th hole at Shinnecock is a short par 4 and is widely considered one of the greatest risk-reward holes in the world.
Quick Facts
* Par: 4
* Yardage: Usually plays around 380–430 yards depending on setup
* Architects: Originally by William Flynn with roots dating back to the club’s early design history
* US Open History: A pivotal hole in every U.S. Open played at Shinnecock
Why It’s Famous
The hole plays downhill from an elevated tee to a fairway that slopes dramatically from right to left. Long hitters can attempt to drive the green, but anything slightly offline can run into deep rough, bunkers, or difficult recovery areas.
The brilliance of the hole is that there is no obvious correct strategy:
* Play aggressively and try to reach near the green.
* Lay back and leave a wedge.
* Choose a conservative line and accept a longer approach.
Every option has advantages and risks.
What Makes It Difficult?
1. The Fairway Tilt
The entire fairway falls sharply from right to left. Even a good drive can roll into trouble if it lands on the wrong side.
2. Wind
Like much of Shinnecock, the hole is exposed to coastal winds. A hole that looks straightforward can play completely differently depending on the breeze.
3. Small Margins
The green is perched on a slope with tightly mown runoffs. Misses often leave delicate pitches from awkward lies.
06/18/2026
“SHINNECOCK”
Shinnecock’s 16th hole is a true thinking golfer’s par 5. Stretching over 600 yards, it rewards patience, precision, and course management.
The hole bends gently through rolling terrain and strategically placed bunkers before climbing toward the famous clubhouse backdrop.
Long hitters may be tempted to attack, but poor positioning can quickly turn birdie opportunities into bogeys.
At the U.S. Open, this hole often becomes a pivotal turning point in the championship.
“The smartest player often beats the longest player on this hole.”
— U.S. Open Course Strategy
06/17/2026
2026 US Open
Shinnecock Hills Hole 7 — U.S. Open Summary
The Redan. A masterpiece of strategy disguised as a par 3.
At roughly 189 yards, Shinnecock Hills’ 7th hole is one of the most famous par 3s in championship golf and one of the most copied hole designs in the world.
What makes it special isn’t the length—it’s the architecture. The green slopes dramatically from front-right to back-left, while a deep bunker guards the front-right corner. Players must often aim away from the flag and use the natural contours of the green to feed the ball toward the hole.
Add in the unpredictable Atlantic winds, and club selection becomes a constant challenge. A shot that looks perfect in the air can be pushed off target in an instant.
During the U.S. Open, the 7th hole rewards patience, imagination, and precision. Attack it recklessly, and you’ll likely pay the price. Play it strategically, and you’ll understand why this hole has stood the test of time for more than a century.
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