Shinnecock Hills Golf Club: William Flynn’s Windswept U.S. Open Links
Shinnecock Hills is one of American golf’s founding institutions, a windswept Long Island course whose William Flynn routing uses natural terrain, broad angles and the Atlantic weather as part of the test.
Shinnecock Hills was founded in 1891 and is the oldest incorporated golf club in the United States. One of the five founding member clubs of the USGA, it has a long championship history. The present course was designed by William Flynn and opened for the 1931 season, using the natural topography of the Shinnecock Hills to create a windswept links-style test on Long Island.
A founding club with a living championship history
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Shinnecock’s story reaches back to the earliest years of organized American golf. The club hosted the second U.S. Open in 1896, and later championships returned in 1986, 1995, 2004 and 2018. The 2026 U.S. Open added another chapter to that record, reinforcing the course’s place among the defining venues of the championship.
William Flynn’s layout is built for the wind
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Flynn’s 1931 routing uses the natural landforms and the prevailing wind to create changing shot requirements. The course is not simply long or narrow; its width and angles can present different problems as the wind changes. Firm playing surfaces, native fescue and exposed green complexes make trajectory and distance control essential.
A private club, not a public tee-time destination
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Shinnecock Hills is a private club. Its championship presence does not make the course publicly bookable, and there is no ordinary public tee-time system. Spectator access during championships is controlled through the USGA’s event arrangements. Anyone considering a golf visit should understand that playing access is governed by the club’s private guest arrangements.
A championship course designed to let the wind into the game.
Shinnecock’s challenge is not a fixed yardage test. Its angles, exposed ground and changing wind make the course play differently from one round to the next.
Understand private-club and championship access
Shinnecock Hills is a private club and does not offer ordinary public tee times. U.S. Open spectator access is handled separately by the USGA. Do not confuse championship admission with permission to play the course.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
When was Shinnecock Hills founded?
The club was founded in 1891.
Who designed the current course?
William Flynn designed the present layout, which opened for the 1931 season.
How many U.S. Opens has it hosted?
The club hosted in 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2018 and 2026.
Can the public book a round?
No. Shinnecock Hills is a private club and does not offer ordinary public tee times.
