Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island, located less than a mile from the Shinnecock Indian Nation, has long been a symbol of stark economic disparity between the tribe and the prestigious club that bears its name. Founded in 1891, the club’s longstanding history is intertwined with the tribe’s land, which the Shinnecock say was taken from them through a fraudulent 1859 land deal. The golf course itself was constructed on tribal burial grounds, employing Shinnecock laborers at the time.

The club, known for its exclusivity and membership that includes prominent figures such as former New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, hosts the U.S. Open approximately every decade. During these high-profile tournaments, the financial and cultural divides become particularly visible. While previous U.S. Opens at Shinnecock have provided the tribe with roughly $100,000 in revenue, tribal officials announced that this year’s event will bring in significantly more—an estimated $800,000 or more—marking the largest financial benefit from the tournament in the Shinnecock’s history.

This improved arrangement includes $200,000 for spectator parking, $200,000 allocated for tribal youth programs, and $100,000 in tickets and amenities from the United States Golf Association (USGA), which organizes the event. Additional revenue is expected from landing fees related to a helicopter charter service operating during the tournament. Seneca Bowen, treasurer for the tribe’s council of trustees, described the agreement as “the best deal we’ve ever struck,” emphasizing its importance for funding social programs, infrastructure, and tribal employment.

Despite these gains, some tribal members expressed dissatisfaction with the terms. Maurice Williams, a member of the tribe and local business owner, criticized the payout as insufficient given the historical injustices and loss of land. He referred to the agreement as “a slap in the face” and accused the club and USGA of attempting to quiet the tribe with a comparatively small payment. Williams recalled the discovery and mishandling of ancestral remains during the course’s construction and questioned the ethics of profiting from land considered sacred by the Shinnecock.

The golf club and USGA have underscored their commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with the Shinnecock Nation. USGA spokeswoman Beth Major highlighted the tribe as a valued part of the local community, while emphasizing ongoing collaboration in preparing for the 2026 U.S. Open.

The tournament itself is a major economic event, with prize money exceeding $20 million and total revenues for the USGA surpassing $100 million from the championship. For the golf club, hosting the Open also leads to multi-million dollar revenue spikes. Still, the Shinnecock reservation faces persistent challenges, with about half of its 1,600 members living in poverty on a 1.3-square-mile parcel.

Historical tensions have surfaced repeatedly during past Opens. In 1995 and 2004, disputes over parking and hospitality arrangements resulted in protests and last-minute agreements. The 2018 tournament sparked prominent demonstrations highlighting grievances over the course’s construction on burial sites. Since then, the tribe and club officials have engaged in regular talks to improve their relationship.

Beyond financial matters, the current accords include a formal land acknowledgment and blessing by tribal members before the tournament begins, as well as access for young Shinnecock golfers to practice facilities and lessons at the club. Tribal Chairwoman Lisa Goree described the club’s property as “stolen land” and acknowledged ongoing internal divisions regarding the cooperation with the USGA and the club. Bowen acknowledged dissent within the tribe but emphasized the importance of engagement to avoid exclusion from the tournament’s benefits.

As the 2026 U.S. Open continues, the Shinnecock Nation views this deal as a tentative step toward equity amid a complex legacy. The tribe remains focused on leveraging the opportunity to improve conditions on its reservation, even as questions persist about justice, recognition, and the future of their ancestral lands.