The Albany Gazette - Forget losing course: Fitzpatrick wants Shinnecock tough

The 2022 US Open champion from England went out in windy practice conditions Monday at the Long Island layout and enjoyed the challenge of firing into super-quick greens and avoiding deep rough.

"Really like the golf course. It's looking great already," Fitzpatrick said. "Actually a little bit disappointed that they're out there watering it right now."

Fitzpatrick is well aware of how several players felt organizers "lost the course" at Shinnecock in the 2018 US Open, as well as in the 2004 event, as groundskeepers watered greens between groups to try and keep balls on the greens.

"I don't particularly like playing birdie-fests. I don't think it's as enjoyable. I feel like it's more of a test of controlling your ball if it's windy, if it is firm," Fitzpatrick said.

"There was a big meltdown. Oh, they've lost the golf course. I never believed they lost it. I don't think they lost the golf course at all here.

"For me, it was difficult, and the strength of this golf course is the difficulty of the greens."

To that end, Fitzpatrick says most holes allow places to players to land the ball safely even in the worst of times -- if they have done the work to learn where.

"I do believe, aside from maybe 10 and 11, if you miss the greens in the right spots and do your homework, you have opportunities to get up-and-down still," he said.

"I feel like that's a patience thing. That's a skill in course managing, in hitting good shots that are on the green in those tough times. I enjoy that challenge."

Fitzpatrick says it can get much more difficult this week before anyone can worry about losing the course.

"Greens are really much softer than I thought. I know there was rain last night. With this wind, though, if it continues, it can dry out pretty quickly.

"In as great of shape as it is, I know it's going to be a good test."

The 31-year-old Englishman is enjoying the winningest year of his career after taking PGA titles at the Valspar Championship in March, a week after finishing second at The Players Championship.

Fitzparick also won the Heritage tournament in April and shared the pairs event crown a week later in New Orleans with brother Alex, who gained tour membership as a result.

He finished second on Sunday at the PGA Canadian Open and hopes to follow a runner-up effort with a victory as he did three months ago.

"Always nice to be coming in here with some sort of form. It has been a great season so far," said Fitzpatrick.

"There's just a few things to tighten up to try and take it to that next level and get it across the line in the bigger events, and hopefully can piece it all together this week."

(A.Johnson--TAG)