Justin Thomas on practice-round wait times at Shinnecock: 'It's gotten terrible'

Key Points:

• The U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills is seeing more players arriving early for practice rounds to avoid long waits and crowded conditions, a shift from past years when players practiced mostly during official days.
• Top golfers like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Patrick Reed have been arriving days in advance to familiarize themselves with the course, following a strategy popularized by Jack Nicklaus to practice before the course becomes crowded.
• Players complain about slow practice rounds during major weeks, with rounds often taking three hours for nine holes due to groups playing together and hitting numerous shots from difficult lies, leading some to prefer early solo practice sessions.
• The challenging conditions at Shinnecock Hills, including strong winds and fast greens, add to the mental and physical demands of the U.S. Open, prompting players like Wyndham Clark to adjust their practice routines accordingly.
• Historical anecdotes highlight different approaches to practice timing, such as Tiger Woods' early tee times to avoid crowds, emphasizing the evolving strategies players use to prepare for major championships.