The Art of Grouping: How the USGA Adds Narrative to the U.S. Open
There’s something almost poetic about the way the USGA crafts tee time groupings for the U.S. Open. It’s not just about logistics; it’s about storytelling. This year at Shinnecock, the pairings feel like carefully curated chapters in a golf novel, each with its own theme, tension, and subtext. Personally, I think this is where the USGA shines—not just as an organizer, but as a narrator. They’re not just setting up rounds; they’re setting up narratives that resonate with fans, players, and the sport’s history.
The Themes That Bind
One thing that immediately stands out is the diversity of themes in these groupings. Take the 7:19 a.m. tee time with Padraig Harrington, Miles Russell, and Cameron Smith. On paper, it’s a pairing of the oldest and youngest competitors. But if you take a step back and think about it, it’s also a metaphor for golf’s generational bridge. Harrington, a seasoned veteran, and Russell, a 17-year-old amateur, represent the sport’s past and future colliding in real time. What this really suggests is that golf isn’t just a game of skill—it’s a game of legacy.
Then there’s the 7:30 a.m. group with Brooks Koepka, Cameron Young, and Chris Gotterup—a trio with deep ties to New York. What many people don’t realize is that these regional connections matter. Koepka’s dominance on Long Island, paired with Young and Gotterup’s local roots, creates a sense of homecoming. It’s a subtle way of reminding us that golf is as much about place as it is about performance.
The Hidden Layers of Storytelling
A detail that I find especially interesting is the 12:41 p.m. grouping of Adrien Saddier, Ugo Coussaud, and Jackson Van Paris. The theme? Vive la France! Except, as the USGA cheekily notes, Paris is French in name only. This raises a deeper question: Why pair these players together? In my opinion, it’s a playful nod to the global nature of golf, even if the connection is more symbolic than literal. It’s also a reminder that sometimes, the story is more about the idea than the reality.
Similarly, the 1:25 p.m. group of Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, and Matt Fitzpatrick—all former U.S. Amateur champions—feels like a masterclass in thematic pairing. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it highlights the different paths to success in golf. DeChambeau’s scientific approach, Hovland’s consistency, and Fitzpatrick’s precision all stem from the same amateur roots but have evolved in wildly different directions.
The Psychology of Pairings
From my perspective, the USGA’s groupings aren’t just about entertainment—they’re about psychology. Take the 8:14 a.m. group with Mason Howell, Scottie Scheffler, and J.J. Spaun. This is the traditional trio of the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, Open champion, and U.S. Open champion. It’s a high-pressure environment, but it’s also a chance for these players to measure themselves against the best. Personally, I think this kind of grouping can either inspire or intimidate, depending on how a player handles it.
On the flip side, the 8:25 a.m. group of Sahith Theegala, Jackson Koivun, and Michael Kim—all former Haskins Award winners—feels like a celebration of collegiate excellence. What this really suggests is that the USGA isn’t just looking at current form; they’re acknowledging the journeys that brought these players here.
The Broader Implications
If you take a step back and think about it, these groupings are more than just a scheduling quirk. They’re a reflection of how golf is evolving as a sport. The USGA is leaning into storytelling, using pairings to create narratives that engage fans and add depth to the competition. In an era where sports are fighting for attention, this kind of curation matters.
But it also raises questions. Are these groupings too contrived? Does the focus on themes distract from the actual golf? Personally, I don’t think so. In fact, I believe it enhances the experience. Golf is a sport rich in history and personality, and these pairings bring that to the forefront.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this year’s U.S. Open groupings, one thing is clear: the USGA isn’t just organizing a tournament—they’re crafting an experience. From the generational clash of Harrington and Russell to the regional pride of the New York trio, every pairing tells a story. What many people don’t realize is that these stories aren’t just for the fans; they’re for the players too. They add context, meaning, and a touch of drama to what could otherwise be a straightforward competition.
In my opinion, this is what makes the U.S. Open so special. It’s not just about who wins; it’s about the narratives that unfold along the way. And as we watch these groups take to the course at Shinnecock, I can’t help but think: this is golf at its most human, its most compelling, and its most alive.
