Rory McIlroy welcomes possibility of greens being watered mid-round at US Open

In 2004 some fiendish pin placements, exacerbated by double-cut, rolled and unwatered putting surfaces, led to borderline unplayable greens on the Saturday of the tournament.

That forced remedial measures on the final day as grounds staff armed with hoses were dispatched to spray between pairings.

Eight years ago the USGA was accused of having "lost the golf course" with farcical scenes on the third day culminating in Phil Mickelson opting to incur a two-stroke penalty by hitting his moving ball to prevent it rolling off the front of the 13th green - but he still made a 10.

With forecast gusts of up to 36mph on Thursday and continuing blustery conditions the greens could potentially be watered on the first two days in a short window between the morning and afternoon starters.

"We've seen what's happened here the last two US Opens. It doesn't need to get that fast to play incredibly difficult and challenging," said Masters champion Rory McIlroy .

"There was only gusts of 25 to 30 yesterday and balls wouldn't stand on the 11th green. That's where you just have to use a little bit of caution.

"My concern was you don't want to look as if you've lost the golf course and you're starting to put water on it, which is I don't think what they're going to do.

"I think, especially with the heaviness of the wind on Thursday, it's probably prudent to do that. Friday doesn't look as windy, but I think just for, again, fairness and competitive integrity, they do it on Friday, too.

"When I first heard of it, my first reaction was, 'that's stupid, why are they doing that?' Then once you actually listen and you've let them break it down to you, you're, like, 'Yeah, that makes sense'."

Only three players have ever finished under par at a Shinnecock US Open: in 2004 winner Retief Goosen was four under with runner-up Mickelson two under, and in 1986 Raymond Floyd was champion at one under.

Organisers pride themselves on creating the toughest conditions in golf but Adam Scott, who is set to become only the second man after Jack Nicklaus to play in 100 consecutive majors, does not view it as an issue yet.

"I'm really not concerned. I feel like we went to maybe the hardest venue last year at Oakmont, and it is incredibly difficult, but I thought the setup was correct," he said.

"This setup seems not contrived at all. They've grown the rough a little bit, it looks like they're being cautious (with the greens) at the moment (as) they know the wind is going to be a factor."

Brooks Koepka, who recorded back-to-back US Open victories with a win in 2018 at one over par, believes Shinnecock is playing easier than eight years ago.

"The golf course is definitely a lot softer. Greens are definitely slower than I remember," he said. "I'm not saying they're slow, but it's a lot different than what I remember as far as firmness."