Mastering the Wind & the History of Shinnecock Hills | Ironman Golf Cast
Welcome back to the Ironman Golf Cast!
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the U.S. Open at the legendary Shinnecock Hills Golf Club—one of America’s most authentic links-style courses, bringing the challenge and character of traditional Irish and Scottish golf to the United States.
The Remarkable History of Shinnecock Hills
Shinnecock Hills occupies a unique place in golf history. Founded in the 1890s, it was one of the original clubs that helped establish the USGA. From the beginning, the club embraced inclusion by admitting women as members and by welcoming pioneers such as John Shippen, one of the first African American professional golfers, and Oscar Bunn, a Shinnecock Native American golfer, to compete in the second U.S. Open more than 130 years ago.
As someone who worked alongside the NAACP and SNCC during the Civil Rights Movement in 1964, I take great pride in celebrating this important chapter of American sports history and the role the USGA played in advancing opportunity and inclusion.
Why Shinnecock Is Golf’s Ultimate Wind Test
Shinnecock’s wide-open layout, firm fairways, and fast greens create one of the toughest examinations in championship golf. Wind is often the course’s greatest defense.
While taller players frequently struggle to keep the ball flight under control in strong winds, golfers with more compact swings often gain a significant advantage. We’ll explore why shorter, more efficient swings produce greater control and consistency when conditions become challenging.
The Physics Behind a Powerful Compact Swing
From the driving range, we break down the mechanics behind a compact, powerful golf swing. Using players like Jon Rahm as examples, we’ll examine how elite golfers generate tremendous speed and accuracy through lower-body power rather than relying excessively on the upper body.
You’ll learn practical swing adjustments and drills that can help you play better golf whenever the wind starts blowing at your home course.
00:00 – Welcome to the Ironman Golf Cast
00:27 – The Historic Legacy of Shinnecock Hills
01:38 – Personal Reflections from the 1964 Civil Rights Movement
02:57 – Why the U.S. Open Is Golf’s Most Democratic Championship
03:35 – Shinnecock Hills: America’s Closest Links Experience
04:36 – Why Tall Players Struggle in the Wind
05:23 – Jon Rahm’s Compact Swing: Club Foot History & Bowed Wrist
07:18 – Driving Range Session: Controlling Ball Flight in the Wind
08:01 – Players to Watch: Fitzpatrick, Fleetwood & the Finau Surprise
08:44 – The Three Most Important Holes at Shinnecock (#7, #14 & #18)
11:23 – Drill: Activate Your Hips and Legs for More Power and Control
13:20 – Celebrating 10,000 Subscribers & 2 Million Series Views
About Bob Kurtz
Bob Kurtz, known professionally as “Golf’s Ironman,” is a professional golfer, seven-time Guinness World Record holder for marathon golf endurance, and a former sportscaster who worked on CNN’s original sports desk.
Through the Ironman Golf Cast, Bob shares golf instruction, tournament analysis, golf history, trick shots, and inspiring stories while supporting charitable organizations including Ministries to Children and Folds of Honor.
Join the Conversation
Who is your pick to win the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills?
Leave a comment below and let us know your prediction.
And stay tuned—Bob’s official U.S. Open picks are coming in the next episode!
#USOpen #ShinnecockHills #GolfInstruction
Welcome to the Ironman Golfcast! ⛳
I am so incredibly proud of this country, the USGA, and the historic Shinnecock Hills as we get ready for the U.S. Open. From being a pioneer in admitting women in the 1890s to hosting trailblazers like John Shippen and Oscar Bunn 130 years ago, Shinnecock represents the very best of our history.
As a true, genuine links course, the wind is going to play a massive factor. Tall guys often struggle when the gorse is high and the gusts pick up, which is why we went out to the range in this episode to break down how to transition from a "short" swing to a compact swing. By taking a page out of Jon Rahm’s book, forgetting the upper body, and relying on your lower body (hips, thighs, and feet), you can keep that ball dead solid perfect in the wind.
I also want to take a moment to give a massive THANK YOU to this amazing community:
Nearly 2 million of you have watched our Basics of Golf series from the grip and stance to chipping and putting. Thank you for tuning into those lessons!
We have officially crossed over 10,000 subscribers! Your support means the world to me. I love talking golf with you just like you're right here on the range with me.
Make sure your notifications are turned on because in just a couple of days, I'll be dropping Bob's Picks for the U.S. Open. Our Masters prediction show was one of our highest-rated golfcasts of the year, and you won't want to miss who I'm backing to conquer Shinnecock.
Who is your money on to win the U.S. Open this year? And how do you handle playing in heavy wind? 👇
Meanwhile, stay proud. Proud to be an American. 🇺🇸
Bob Kurtz,
Golf's Ironman