The 2026 U.S. Open is set to be a thrilling contest, with a star-studded field and a course that promises to test the mettle of even the most seasoned golfers. As the tournament approaches, all eyes are on Scottie Scheffler, who is aiming for a career grand slam, and Rory McIlroy, seeking redemption after a disappointing performance at the Masters. But the U.S. Open has a history of upsets and first-time winners, making it a difficult tournament to predict.
The Scheffler Slam
Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 golfer, is on the cusp of achieving the career grand slam. With the final round falling on Father's Day and his 30th birthday, Scheffler has the potential to celebrate in style. However, his recent form has been less than stellar, with five top-10 finishes this season, compared to five in 2023 and three each in 2024 and 2025. Despite this, Scheffler remains the clear favorite, having finished inside the top 25 in 32 straight tournaments and leading the PGA Tour in scoring categories.
The pressure is on Scheffler to perform, as he has the opportunity to become the seventh player in history to complete the career grand slam. The odds are stacked against him, but with his consistent quality and ridiculous winning pace over the last few years, he is a force to be reckoned with.
McIlroy's Evolution
Rory McIlroy, on the other hand, is seeking redemption after a disappointing performance at the Masters. McIlroy's goals for the remainder of his career include winning on a U.S. Open setup like Shinnecock Hills. With his finesse game adding a new dimension to his arsenal, McIlroy is well-positioned to make a run at the title.
Longevity in Golf
Adam Scott, the veteran golfer, is set to make his 100th straight start in a major championship. This is an absurd feat, considering the number of things that can go wrong in 25 years. Scott's longevity is a testament to his dedication and skill, and it is worth celebrating.
The Hills Have Eyes
Shinnecock Hills, one of the original five charter members of the United States Golf Association, has hosted just five U.S. Opens in its history. The course is known for its stern tests, with players complaining about the baked-out nature of the course in recent years. The USGA setup has been instrumental in making Shinnecock Hills a challenging course.
Amateur Hour
Ben James, a former amateur, has earned his PGA Tour card, but the top three non-professionals in the game would be competing in this major. Four of the top 10 would be when including the No. 1 junior, who doubles as the No. 10 amateur. The amateur hour will be fun to watch, given the quality of those who have that simple (a) next to their name on the leaderboard.
The Longest Youngest Day in Golf
Cameron Young, a former qualifier, is back to being a top player in the game. Stories like these emerge every year from the longest day in golf, where youth is the through line. While long-time pros like Billy Horschel and Chris Kirk are also punching their tickets to Shinnecock Hills, the youth from Florida is making waves.
Xander Schauffele's Streak
Xander Schauffele, a consistent performer in major championships, has finished inside the top 10 in more than 50% of his major championship starts. However, he has yet to claim a U.S. Open crown. Schauffele will look to buck his small spurt and hope for a 10th straight top 15.
Feast or Famine
Bryson DeChambeau, a two-time U.S. Open champion, is struggling with his major championship form. He has missed three of his last four cuts in majors, but when he has secured a weekend tee time, he has often made sure it is late in the day and among the leaders. DeChambeau's future is uncertain, but he remains a force to be reckoned with.
The Year of Parity?
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf have seen a year of parity, with different players winning all seven signature events on the PGA Tour and all nine events on LIV Golf. The major championships have also seen a year of parity, with different players winning all three.
In conclusion, the 2026 U.S. Open is set to be a thrilling contest, with a star-studded field and a course that promises to test the mettle of even the most seasoned golfers. The pressure is on Scheffler and McIlroy to perform, but with the history of upsets and first-time winners, anything is possible.
