Shinnecock Hills

HOLE 1: 393 yards, par-4 This hole should give players an encouraging start to their round with a good chance of a birdie on the second shortest par-four on the course. The main danger is finding rough off the tee so few will risk the driver.

HOLE 2: 226 yards, par-3 The longest par-three this year has a carefully-guarded green. Surrounded by bunkers, it falls away from front to back.

HOLE 3: 478 yards, par-4 A new tee position has added 25 yards to the hole and players will aim to reach the bottom of the last hill fast. However those who make it will be close to the course's flattest green.

HOLE 4: 435 yards, par-4 This is where the wind could play a part for the first time so players will need to choose their clubs carefully. A bad approach shot will leave them with a difficult up and down.

HOLE 5: 537 yards, par-5 A good drive should put the first of the two par-fives in comfortable reach. Birdies are possible here but the tightly-mown grass makes chipping on to the green tricky.

HOLE 6: 474 yards, par-4 Players cannot see where their tee-shot lands at the sixth so preparation before the tournament will be crucial. The bunker at the front of the green could also cause problems.

HOLE 7: 189 yards, par-3 The "Redan" hole plays into the wind but can help players who aim a high shot to the left of the hole. Most balls landing on the green will fall away to the left.

HOLE 8: 398 yards, par-4 Although 30 yards have been added to this hole it is still the third shortest in this year's Championship. Players are again unsighted as they hammer the ball down the fairway.

HOLE 9: 443 yards, par-4 This hole seems longer than it is because of the dramatic change in height between tee and green. Spectators around the green can watch the action and also stare at the superb views of the Great Peconic Bay.

HOLE 10: 412 yards, par-4 The fairway plunges severely halfway along its course, causing problems. Players have an awkward choice of tee shot as they start the front nine.

HOLE 11: 158 yards, par-3 This is the course's shortest hole but it should not be underestimated. Any overhit shots could end up tumbling off the back of the green into trouble down a severe slope.

HOLE 12: 468 yards, par-4 A good chance of a birdie here thanks to a fairway which runs downhill towards the green. The green is also friendly, with not too many bunkers or slopes.

HOLE 13: 370 yards, par-4 The players tee off here from the highest point on the course and the green is also in a high position. Misjudged approach shots could easily find one of the two greenside bunkers.

HOLE 14: 443 yards, par-4 The rough on the right-hand side of the fairway will cause most problems here. The hole is named after club professional Charlie Thom, who worked at the course for 55 years.

HOLE 15: 403 yards, par-4 This hole could well decide the destiny of the title as a bogey on the way home in the final round may spell disaster. Players will have to beware hitting the ball too far to the right.

HOLE 16: 540 yards, par-5 The third shot could be crucial here as strong winds could affect tee-shots. Five bunkers surround a small green so accuracy is vital to avoid dropping crucial shots.

HOLE 17: 179 yards, par-3 This hole has actually been shortened by seven yards since the last US Open here in 1995. Three bunkers on the left-hand side of the green could trap some players.

HOLE 18: 450 yards, par-4 Another elevated green should produce a testing finale to the tournament. The sloping green means players should try to land a chip on it rather than relying on a long putt.