Q&A: How a course like Shinnecock Hills ends up in the video-game world

June 15, 2026 - 08:37

For golf fans who aren't walking the fairways of the U.S. Open or sitting in the grandstands, there is still a way to get close to Shinnecock Hills. The iconic course, known for its punishing winds and slick greens, has been recreated in the digital world. But how does a real-life, championship-level layout end up inside a video game?

It starts with data. Developers use high-resolution aerial photography, LIDAR scans, and GPS mapping to capture every yard of the course. They then translate that raw information into a 3D model, adjusting for elevation changes and the unique contours of the land. The team also studies hours of broadcast footage and on-site photos to match the exact color of the fescue and the texture of the bunker sand.

The biggest challenge is balancing realism with playability. Shinnecock is brutally difficult in real life, but a video game needs to be fun for a wide range of skill levels. So the designers tweak the wind settings and pin placements while keeping the core layout true to the course. The result is a virtual version that lets anyone test their skills on a U.S. Open venue without needing a membership or a plane ticket.