Golf’s toughest test is back. The 2026 US Open is set to take centre stage as the world’s best golfers head to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club from June 18-21.
Widely regarded as one of the most gruelling events in professional golf, the US Open has a reputation for punishing rough, challenging greens and demanding course setups that reward precision and mental toughness. The field will feature 156 players competing over four rounds of stroke play for one of golf’s most coveted trophies.
With established superstars, rising contenders and several intriguing dark horses in the mix, the 2026 US Open is shaping up to be one of the most compelling majors of the year.
Course Breakdown
Few courses in American golf carry the same reputation as Shinnecock Hills. Located on Long Island in Southampton, New York, the historic track will host the U.S. Open for the sixth time, cementing its place among the tournament’s most iconic venues.
Shinnecock Hills is expected to play as a par 70 measuring more than 7,400 yards, but distance alone is not what makes the course so challenging. Firm fairways, thick rough, undulating greens and unpredictable coastal winds create a demanding test from the opening tee shot to the final putt.
Players who succeed at Shinnecock typically excel in several key areas. Accuracy off the tee is essential, as missing fairways can quickly lead to difficult recovery shots. Strong iron play is equally important, particularly on approach shots into the course’s elevated and well-protected greens.
Perhaps most importantly, golfers must remain patient and avoid costly mistakes. With scoring expected to be at a premium, Shinnecock Hills should once again reward the most complete player in the field.
Top Contenders to Win the 2026 US Open
The US Open rarely lacks star power, and this year’s field is no exception. Here are the current favourites to win the 2026 U.S. Open.
Scottie Scheffler +600
While Scheffler has not looked quite as dominant as he did during his historic run in 2024 and 2025, he remains one of the most dangerous players in the field. Slow starts have been a recurring issue this season, but his ball-striking and patience should translate well to Shinnecock Hills, where avoiding mistakes is often just as important as making birdies. Even when he is not at his absolute best, few players are more capable of putting themselves in contention on Sunday.
Rory McIlroy +1200
Fresh off another Masters victory earlier this season, McIlroy enters the U.S. Open with major-winning form already on the board in 2026. The concern is accuracy off the tee, as he has openly dealt with driver issues in recent weeks. That matters at the US Open, where wayward drives can quickly lead to trouble. Still, his power, approach play and experience give him one of the highest ceilings in the field if he keeps the ball in play.
Jon Rahm +1400
No LIV Golf player has been better this season than Rahm. The Spaniard currently sits atop the league’s individual standings and has backed up that position with multiple victories and a string of strong finishes. His all-around game is built for major championships, and his ability to limit mistakes should be a good fit for Shinnecock Hills. As a former US Open champion, he enters the week as a legitimate threat to lift the trophy on Sunday.
Under-the-Radar Players to Watch
The favourites may attract most of the attention heading into tournament week, but history shows that the US Open often produces surprise contenders. These players may not be among the golf betting favourites, but each has the talent and experience needed to make a serious run at the title.
Tommy Fleetwood +2200
Despite a long list of strong performances in golf’s biggest events, Fleetwood is still searching for his first major. His accuracy off the tee and strong iron play should serve him well at the US Open, where precision is rewarded. If he can find himself near the lead heading into the weekend, this could be his best opportunity to finally capture a major title.
Sam Burns +4000
He may not receive the same attention as some of the bigger names in the field, but Burns’ game is well suited for a demanding US Open setup. One of the PGA Tour’s best putters, he has also shown the ability to contend against elite competition, including a T7 finish at last year’s US Open. If scoring conditions become difficult, Burns has the short game and mental toughness needed to stay in the mix while others struggle.
Ben Griffin +7000
After emerging as one of the PGA Tour’s biggest success stories last season, Griffin has continued to prove he belongs among the game’s top players. While he still lacks the name recognition of many of the sport’s biggest stars, he has remained competitive against elite fields and arrives at the US Open with plenty of confidence. A top-10 finish at Oakmont last year demonstrated that his game can hold up in major championship conditions, and another strong showing would not come as a surprise.
Predictions and Key Storylines
As always, the biggest question heading into the US Open is which player can handle the pressure and unique demands of one of golf’s most challenging events.
Can Scottie Scheffler rediscover the dominant form that made him the sport’s top player? Will Rory McIlroy build on his strong season and add another major championship to his résumé? Or could an under-the-radar player emerge from the pack and steal the spotlight?
With difficult scoring conditions expected and little margin for error, patience and consistency will likely prove just as important as power. Regardless of who comes out on top, Shinnecock Hills should once again provide a memorable stage for one of golf’s premier events.
If you’re looking for a higher price bet that has the potential for a tasty payout, our top five value bets on the US Open is the next read for you.