SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — As players prepared for the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, many arrived early this year to avoid the increasingly slow and crowded practice rounds typical at major championships held on rotating courses.

Several top players, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, have made early visits to Shinnecock Hills in recent days. Scheffler and McIlroy stopped by en route to Ohio two weeks ago, with McIlroy using the opportunity as a refresher. Rahm arrived on Friday to assess conditions ahead of the tournament. Patrick Reed, who has not competed since the PGA Championship last month, reportedly has played the course more frequently than some club members. Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth also practiced over the weekend, two days before official practice rounds began.

The trend toward early arrival reflects growing frustration with the pace and organization of practice rounds, which often require multiple hours to complete nine holes. Thomas described the current atmosphere as “terrible,” citing long waits caused by players grouped in foursomes, and the slow play associated with hitting numerous different shots from various lies around the green. Players have increasingly adopted a strategy championed by Jack Nicklaus during his career: getting acquainted with the course before the official practice rounds to avoid delays and extended sessions once the full field arrives.

Nicklaus explained that he preferred to prepare intensively in the week leading up to a major, then return for practice rounds on Tuesday to avoid getting stuck in multi-hour outings. McIlroy lamented the large number of people—television crews, equipment staff, photographers—that often accompany players during these sessions, which he feels contributes to slow play and a lack of productivity. “No one plays 18-hole practice rounds anymore the week of a major,” he said, noting that nine-hole rounds often last three hours due to the pace and volume of shots being hit.

The challenge of managing practice rounds is compounded by the conditions at Shinnecock Hills, where wind and firm greens make the course particularly demanding. On Monday, bright sunshine replaced overnight rain, but strong winds added to the difficulty. Wyndham Clark, who opted to rest rather than play a practice round that day, noted that the unusual wind conditions made it a good opportunity to take a break.

The slow pace and increasing complexity of major practice rounds contrast with past routines, such as those of Tiger Woods, who famously sought early tee times to have the course largely to himself. Scheffler recalled his experience practicing alone the day before the PGA Championship last year, which he credited with helping him win that tournament.

As the U.S. Open approaches, players continue to adapt their preparation strategies, balancing the need for thorough course knowledge with the realities of crowded and slow practice round environments at one of golf’s most storied venues.