The 2026 U.S. Open is set to be a thrilling affair, with a star-studded field of 156 players, including top professionals, amateurs, and everyone in between. As the first round approaches, the excitement is palpable, and the question on everyone's mind is: who will emerge as the champion? This article delves into the top 26 players, offering a comprehensive analysis and commentary on their chances of success at Shinnecock Hills.
Scottie Scheffler (World No. 1, T2 in 2022): Scheffler is undoubtedly the best player in the world, and his well-rounded game makes him a formidable contender. While his iron play has lagged recently, his overall performance on the PGA Tour is impressive, and he approaches the career grand slam with a confident stride. The wide fairways at Shinnecock Hills could be to his advantage, and if his iron play improves, he could be the one to lift the trophy.
Rory McIlroy (2011 U.S. Open winner, missed cut in 2018): McIlroy has a strong track record at the U.S. Open, having missed the cut only once since 2018. His physical reinvention and mental approach have made him a force to be reckoned with. Despite a wayward driver this season, the wide fairways at Shinnecock Hills could suit his game, and he aims to add another U.S. Open victory to his collection.
Xander Schauffele (T3 in 2019): Schauffele's U.S. Open results speak for themselves, with never a finish outside the top 15. His game is well-suited for the test, and while some may want more from his current form, his overall performance is impressive. With top-10 finishes at both the Masters and PGA Championship, he is a player to watch.
Cameron Young (T4 in 2025): Young's upbringing near Sleepy Hollow might add a touch of local flavor to his game, but his success at Shinnecock Hills is yet to be proven. However, his recent U.S. Open success at Oakmont and The Players Championship victory make him a strong contender. His game is in good shape, and he is ready to make his mark.
Jon Rahm (2021 U.S. Open winner, runner-up at Valderrama): Rahm's competitive spirit was on full display at the PGA Championship, where he challenged until the end. His recent iron play has been impressive, and a top-10 finish at Valderrama in preparation for this championship further boosts his confidence. Rahm is a force to be reckoned with.
Matt Fitzpatrick (2022 PGA Tour winner): Fitzpatrick's understanding of U.S. Open golf is evident in his pitching and chipping prowess. While his major championship performance has been relatively modest, his top-20 finishes and overall consistency make him a player to watch. His game has fallen slightly since his last win, but he remains a contender.
Russell Henley (T7 in 2024): Henley's game is well-suited for Shinnecock Hills, having led the first round in 2018 and consistently contending since. His accuracy, precision, and confidence make him a strong pick. With three straight top-15 finishes, he is a player to keep an eye on.
Ludvig Åberg (T12 in 2024): Åberg's total strokes gained ranking on the PGA Tour is impressive, but his lack of wins raises questions about his closing abilities. His recent performances in big tournaments are promising, but some Sunday struggles have some doubting his ability to close out victories.
Tommy Fleetwood (2nd in 2018): Fleetwood's near-miss at the Memorial and his putt on the 72nd hole in 2018 showcase his ability to handle pressure. While he has yet to win a major, his recent improvement and experience in Sunday jitters make him a contender.
Patrick Reed (4th in 2018): Reed's U.S. Open preparation includes three major championships in a row, and his short-game wizardry makes him a strong pick. His artistry, angles, and short-game skills are well-suited for the challenging golf course.
Justin Rose (2013 U.S. Open winner): Rose's recent top-10 finish at the PGA Championship and his equipment upgrades have him back on track. His ability to handle pressure and his big-game hunter status make him a contender.
Bryson DeChambeau (2020, 2024 U.S. Open winner): DeChambeau's U.S. Open success is well-documented, but his recent major cuts and LIV Golf performances raise questions. His skepticism and the challenge of Shinnecock Hills make this a fascinating case.
Sam Burns (T7 in 2025): Burns' recent finishes at the Masters and Memorial, along with his final group experience at Oakmont, make him a strong contender. His iron play has been on point, and he is ready to make history.
J.J. Spaun (2025 U.S. Open winner): Spaun's defense as the reigning champion and his recent wins at Quail Hollow, Colonial, and Muirfield Village make him a favorite. His greens magic could be the key to his success.
Chris Gotterup (T23 in 2025): Gotterup's top-25 finishes in the first two majors and his ability to contend on the outskirts showcase his creativity and shot-making skills. His game is well-suited for the ever-present wind factor at Shinnecock Hills.
Wyndham Clark (2023 U.S. Open winner): Clark's recent wins and close calls have him trending in the right direction. His tightened swing, narrowed dispersion, and confidence make him a player to watch.
Collin Morikawa (T4 in 2021): Morikawa's recent back injury and the birth of his child add complexity to his preparation. While his game is tailored for the U.S. Open, his less-than-fully healthy state might impact his performance.
Tyrrell Hatton (T4 in 2025): Hatton's fiery competitiveness and all-around game make him a strong contender. His recent win at Valderrama and near-miss at Oakmont showcase his ability to handle grueling tests.
Justin Thomas (T8 in 2020): Thomas' recent top-25 finishes and his ability to perform on difficult courses are encouraging. His recent cuts at the U.S. Open and his focus on keeping the ball in front of him make him a contender.
Brooks Koepka (2017, 2018 U.S. Open winner): Koepka's hand injury and grip issues cast doubt on his Shinnecock Hills status, but his U.S. Open history and ability to get up for the tournament make him a player to watch.
Patrick Cantlay (T3 in 2024): Cantlay's recent iron play and greens performance have him finding his stride. His quiet contender status and ability to finish tournaments make him a dark horse.
Si Woo Kim (T13 in 2017): Kim's recent podium finishes and top-10 result at the Memorial showcase his iron play. His putting prowess and recent success make him a player to watch.
Aaron Rai (T19 in 2024): Rai's recent top-20 finish and his ability to handle the challenges of the course make him a contender. His game is well-suited for the U.S. Open, and his recent success bodes well.
Ryan Gerard (T50 in 2025): Gerard's slight tweak at address and recent putter success have him on a roll. His old-school approach and ability to contend make him an entertaining watch.
Harris English (3rd in 2021): English's recent top-10 finishes and his ability to perform in difficult conditions make him a dark horse. His approach play and overall consistency are impressive.
Hideki Matsuyama (T2 in 2017): Matsuyama's recent playoff loss and struggle off the tee might hold him back, but his iron play and hands make him a contender. His top-six finishes in the last four years showcase his U.S. Open prowess.
