A little-known rule at the US Open left former champion Jim Furyk dumbstruck after learning about it during the first round, which also impacted Rory McIlroy.
Fog Delays and Unforeseen Rules
The fog brought numerous unseen obstacles during the first round of the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills. However, it also shed light on a rule that even a seasoned golf icon like Furyk was unaware of.
Rory McIlroy was among those affected by the misty conditions, carding a first-round 69 at one-under par. The fog caused a two-hour delay in the morning, leaving players to pass the time as they saw fit.
Practice on Previous Green Allowed
When the delay was first announced, some players were halfway through a hole. According to the rules, a group can finish their current hole despite any delay. The USGA's Senior Manager of Rules, Jay Roberts, appeared on the Golf Channel broadcast to discuss the weather and rulings.
Analyst Tom Abbott asked Roberts whether players could practice on the green of the last hole they played during the pause. Roberts confirmed that practice was allowed on any practice area, including the green of the hole just completed, provided they couldn't progress the course.
"Great call, I had no idea," said lead analyst and 2003 US Open champion Jim Furyk. Abbott reassured Furyk that it's a rule many golfers are unaware of. "In USGA championships they allow you to practice on the previous green during play as long as you don't hold up play," Abbott explained.
According to Rule 5.5b of the USGA handbook, players can practice on the green of the hole they've just completed, provided they haven't started the next hole and are not holding up play. Practice can also include chipping on or near the putting green, but not from a bunker.
"I was totally unaware," Furyk added, still dumbfounded.
McIlroy's Incident
During the first round, a wayward shot from McIlroy on the fourth hole was almost picked up by a spectator. However, the USGA released a statement clarifying that the woman did not pick up McIlroy's ball or interfere with play as many thought.
Given the extent of the fog, such delays are rare, but Furyk will consider himself enlightened after learning this piece of information.
