US Open golf at Shinnecock Hills struggles with sparse crowds and player conduct concerns

The 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club experienced notably low fan attendance, a situation attributed to the venue’s remote Long Island location and the limited, inconvenient train service offered by the Long Island Rail Road. Spectators faced four‑hour round‑trip journeys, with late‑night return trains discouraging many families and casual fans.

During the tournament, commentators highlighted a rise in on‑course misconduct. Brandel Chamblee of the Golf Channel criticized Tiger Woods for frequent profanity and referenced recent incidents such as Joaquin Niemann’s club‑throwing penalty, underscoring a perceived shift in player temperament under heightened media scrutiny.