Shinnecock succeeds in avoiding the rough

Course is likely to be the star as much as the biggest names in golf

Professional golfers can be a querulous bunch, so it says something about the status of Shinnecock Hills that few complaints have been registered so far ahead of the US Open starting today.

As the US Open is poised to regain its status as the toughest test in golf, the course is likely to be the star as much as the game’s biggest names.

Described by Masters champion Patrick Reed as having the look of a seaside British links course without quite the same firm playing characteristics, Shinnecock stretches over 260 acres of rolling land on the ritzy eastern end of Long Island.

With golden fescue rough swaying in the breeze, accuracy will be the name of the game for the 156-man field.

“It’s a mix between an American and a links-style golf course, because it’s not quite as firm, yet still has the characteristics of it,” said Reed on Tuesday.

Dustin Johnson arrived only on Sunday, after winning in

It’s a fantastic venue .... The fairways are fairly generous [but], if you miss, you’re going to be in trouble.” Dustin Johnson » World No. 1

Memphis and regaining the world No. 1 ranking. “It’s a fantastic venue,” he said. “The fairways are fairly generous [but], if you miss, you’re going to be in trouble.”

Tiger Woods said that the greens were not quite up to speed yet but as the course dried out, it would be “another great US Open test”.

A little rain is expected on Wednesday, but no more than enough to settle the dust, which was flying everywhere in a stiff breeze on Tuesday afternoon, aided and abetted by hundreds of golf carts whizzing around.

Shinnecock is unlikely to throw up a long shot champion, but that does not make it any easier to pick a winner.