Ahead of this week’s U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, we caught up with former Ryder Cup star David Howell at the English Legends media day at Chart Hills, where he shared his thoughts on one of golf’s toughest tests and the players he believes could thrive on Long Island.

“When you think of the U.S. Open, the first word that comes to mind is difficult,” said Howell. “That’s what the championship is known for. But that challenge can come in many different forms, and at Shinnecock it’s all around the green complexes.”

As the world’s best players prepare to tackle one of golf’s most demanding tests, the former Ryder Cup star believes success this week will be determined less by power and more by creativity, touch and nerve around the greens.

The 50-year-old, who competed in multiple U.S. Opens during his playing career, expects the famous Long Island venue to provide a stern examination of every player’s short game, particularly if the forecast coastal winds arrive.

“We’ve seen some horror stories over the years of people putting off greens and chipping from one side to the other,” Howell said. “The second shots are crucial because you’re trying to hit these upturned saucer greens when it’s windy near the coast.”

While Shinnecock is expected to play relatively generously from the tee, Howell believes the challenge begins once players reach the putting surfaces.

“If you’re not good at chipping and not good at putting, I think you can write your week off because it’s going to be done around the greens,” he said.

Howell pointed to previous champions at Shinnecock as evidence of the skills required to succeed, highlighting the short-game brilliance of past winners such as Corey Pavin and Retief Goosen.

The Englishman also explained the unique mental challenge posed by a U.S. Open, where players must quickly adjust their expectations and recognise that par remains a valuable score.

“Every single shot means something,” Howell said. “As the week progresses, it’s very hard looking at leaderboards and seeing you’re ten-over-par, which in any normal week is a disaster, but actually you might be in 20th or 30th place. Looking at those scores and framing them in the right way is certainly a key thing mentally.”

 

When it comes to predicting who might contend this week, Howell believes players with elite touch around the greens could have a significant advantage.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler remains an obvious threat, but Howell also highlighted Patrick Reed and Cameron Smith as players whose short-game expertise could prove invaluable around Shinnecock.

“Someone like Patrick Reed comes to mind – very good around the greens,” Howell said. “I don’t think you need length particularly at Shinnecock.

“Cam Smith played much better recently and I think really good putters and really good short-game exponents will come to the fore. I think the top ten will have a lot of that type of player in it.”

While the golfing world turns its attention to Shinnecock this week, fans will have the opportunity to see Major champions, Ryder Cup legends and former U.S. Open stars up close at the English Legends, taking place at Chart Hills from August 28th – 30th.

The field will feature some of the most recognisable names in world golf, with spectators able to watch golfing greats compete in a unique and relaxed environment. Better still, amateur golfers can go one step further through the Legends Experience, offering the chance to tee it up alongside Ryder Cup players, Major champions and tour winners within tournament conditions.

Described by Howell as “the greatest amateur experience in golf”, playing experiences gives golfers the opportunity to walk the fairways, share stories and compete alongside the very players who have graced the sport’s biggest stages.

Golf fans can now register to attend the English Legends at Chart Hills, while those looking to take their experience to the next level can enquire about Playing Experiences and enjoy the unique chance to compete alongside some of the biggest names in the game.

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