Sports

WTF Is Alex Fitzpatrick Wearing During U.S. Open Practice? We Investigate.

By Nick Dimengo Athlon Sports

The U.S. Open is always the most demanding golf tournament of the year, with players battling both physical and mental demons in order to play their best - and this year's host, Shinnecock Hills, is already proving to be quite daunting.

Do a simple search on social media and you'll come across videos of crazy wind and even crazier course conditions, with the fescue and putting greens being some of the most difficult a golfer could imagine.

And given the challenge at the U.S. Open, players like Alex Fitzpatrick are doing anything they can during practice rounds to get a tiny leg up on the rest of the field.

Alex Fitzpatrick Pulling Out All the Stops During U.S. Open Practice

While preparing for the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, Fitzpatrick was spotted on the practice green wearing what looked more appropriate for a virtual reality gaming session than one of golf's biggest stages. Naturally, the internet had reactions.

But there's a very good reason why the up-and-coming pro is wearing these funky-looking goggles: Data.

Modern golfers are constantly searching for ways to gain even the smallest advantage, and putting remains one of the most difficult areas of the game to master - especially at the lightning quick greens at Shinnecock.

So the headset Fitzpatrick was using is designed to provide augmented reality feedback, helping players better understand green-reading, aim, and other putting variables during practice.

In other words, these things may look weird AF, but it's part of a much bigger trend happening throughout professional golf - Fitzpatrick just decided to try them out in a very public setting during practice at the U.S. Open!

We've Seen Phil Mickelson Wear Similar Putting Goggles

Here's a fun fact: Alex Fitzpatrick isn't the only one who's tested out some putting goggles during major championship prep.

Golf fans may remember seeing Phil Mickelson wearing similarly strange-looking goggles during practice rounds ahead of the 2024 PGA Championship. While Mickelson's eyewear sparked plenty of curiosity, the purpose was performance-related rather than cosmetic.

 

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According to top-ranked golf teacher Mike Dickson, Mickelson's glasses were designed to help with alignment, stroke path, and head stability during practice, offering another example of how elite golfers are increasingly turning to technology in search of small advantages.

So whether it's preparing for the U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, or just trying to use data to support your golf improvement, maybe these funky putting goggles are something more players should experiment with? Just be sure to expect lots of questions (and stares) from fellow golfers.

Craving more golf swing tips and golf instruction? Be sure to follow Nick Dimengo on Instagram, and subscribe to Rainmakers Golf on YouTube for more relatable swing advice to help your game improve.

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 12:29 PM.

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