The first round of the US Open is under way at the storied Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, with Rory McIlroy already on the course and world No 1 Scottie Scheffler preparing to launch his challenge later in the day.

Shinnecock, one of the oldest and most demanding layouts in championship golf, is again living up to its reputation. Early groups have found firm fairways, slick greens and a punishing breeze sweeping across the exposed Long Island property. Pars are being treated with the respect usually reserved for birdies.

McIlroy, chasing another major to add to his collection, has drawn one of the marquee morning tee times. The Northern Irishman has spoken openly about his desire to end his long wait for another major title, and Shinnecock’s emphasis on precision driving and towering iron play appears tailor-made for his strengths. His opening holes have been a mix of controlled aggression and cautious respect for the course’s most dangerous pin positions.

Behind him, Scheffler’s impending start is the dominant talking point among fans and commentators. The American has been the game’s most consistent force, arriving at the US Open with a string of high finishes and a reputation for turning difficult setups into personal showcases. His metronomic tee-to-green game is expected to be a significant asset on a course where wayward shots are punished without mercy.

Conditions are already testing the field. Rough grown thick around the fairways is swallowing up drives that drift only a few yards offline, while tightly mown run-offs around the greens are sending misjudged approaches into awkward collection areas. Players are frequently seen consulting yardage books, weighing the risk of attacking flags against the security of playing to the heart of the green.

With McIlroy setting an early benchmark and Scheffler soon to begin his round, the championship narrative is taking shape. Shinnecock Hills is demanding patience, discipline and imagination, and the world’s best are being forced to show every facet of their games from the very first tee shot.

As the opening day unfolds, all eyes remain fixed on McIlroy’s progress and Scheffler’s response, with the US Open already delivering the kind of drama and tension that has defined this championship for more than a century.