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 anticipation is palpable, and the question on everyone's mind is: who will emerge victorious at Shinnecock Hills? This year's tournament promises to be a showcase of talent, with a mix of established stars and rising contenders. Here's a deep dive into the top 26 players, ranked by their potential to conquer the challenging U.S. Open course.
- Scottie Scheffler (World No. 1, T2 in 2022): Scheffler is the clear favorite, and for good reason. His well-rounded game and dominance on the PGA Tour make him the best-equipped player to handle any course test. While his iron play has lagged recently, his overall performance and leadership in scoring categories make him a strong contender.
- Rory McIlroy (2011 U.S. Open winner, T2 in 2018): McIlroy has a strong track record at the U.S. Open, having missed the cut only once since 2018. His recent focus on physical and mental preparation, coupled with his strong performance at Shinnecock Hills, makes him a serious threat.
- Xander Schauffele (T3 in 2019): Schauffele's consistency in U.S. Open golf is impressive, with never finishing outside the top 15. His well-rounded game and top-10 finishes at both the Masters and PGA Championship make him a contender.
- Cameron Young (T4 in 2025): Young's success at Oakmont last year and his overall quality in his game make him a dark horse. His upbringing near Sleepy Hollow might even give him an edge, but his New Yorker roots are irrelevant.
- Jon Rahm (2021 U.S. Open winner, 2nd at Valderrama): Rahm's competitive spirit and recent iron play make him a strong contender. His runner-up finish at Valderrama and top-10 finish at the PGA Championship showcase his ability to perform under pressure.
- Matt Fitzpatrick (2022 PGA Tour winner): Fitzpatrick's understanding of U.S. Open golf and his sensational pitching and chipping this season make him a contender. However, his lack of major championship success is a concern.
- Russell Henley (T7 in 2024): Henley's accuracy, precision, and confidence, coupled with his top-15 finishes in the U.S. Open, make him a strong pick. His win at Colonial further cements his potential.
- Ludvig Åberg (T12 in 2024): Åberg's top-3 ranking in strokes gained on the PGA Tour and his factor in major tournaments make him a contender. However, his Sunday struggles raise questions about his closing abilities.
- Tommy Fleetwood (2nd in 2018): Fleetwood's near-miss at the Memorial and his improved performance showcase his potential. His runner-up result in 2018 and his ability to handle Sunday jitters make him a dark horse.
- Patrick Reed (4th in 2018): Reed's artistry, angles, and short-game wizardry make him a strong contender. His recent major championship preparation and performance at the U.S. Open in 2018 further solidify his potential.
- Justin Rose (2013 U.S. Open winner): Rose's resurgence and his ability to perform in big-game situations make him a contender. His top-10 finish at the PGA Championship and his new McLaren irons are a positive sign.
- Bryson DeChambeau (2020, 2024 U.S. Open winner): DeChambeau's two top-10 finishes and his success on LIV Golf make him a potential threat. However, his recent major cuts and skepticism about his performance at Shinnecock Hills are concerns.
- Sam Burns (T7 in 2025): Burns' recent success on more difficult courses and his ability to strike his irons make him a contender. His final group appearance at Oakmont and top-10 finishes at the Masters and Memorial further solidify his potential.
- J.J. Spaun (2025 U.S. Open winner): Spaun's trending performance and his role as the defending champion make him a strong pick. His runs at Quail Hollow, Colonial, and Muirfield Village showcase his potential.
- Chris Gotterup (T23 in 2025): Gotterup's top-25 finishes in the first two majors and his ability to contend on the outskirts make him a dark horse. His creativity and shot-making skills will be an asset on a windy course.
- Wyndham Clark (2023 U.S. Open winner): Clark's recent wins and close calls showcase his potential. His tightened swing, narrowed dispersion, and confidence make him a contender.
- Collin Morikawa (T4 in 2021): Morikawa's accuracy and precision, coupled with his recent top-25 finishes, make him a contender. However, his nagging back injury and recent child birth might impact his performance.
- Tyrrell Hatton (T4 in 2025): Hatton's fiery competitiveness and all-around game make him a strong pick. His wins and near-wins 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 make him a contender. His recent cuts at the U.S. Open and his focus on keeping the ball in front of him are positive signs.
- Brooks Koepka (2017, 2018 U.S. Open winner): Koepka's ability to perform in the U.S. Open, despite recent major struggles, makes him a contender. His hand injury and grip issues are concerns, but his confirmation to play is a positive sign.
- Patrick Cantlay (T3 in 2024): Cantlay's recent iron play and improved putting make him a contender. His quiet contender status and top-10 finish at Pinehurst showcase his potential.
- Si Woo Kim (T13 in 2017): Kim's recent podium finishes and top-10 result at the Memorial showcase his potential. His iron play and putting will be key.
- Aaron Rai (T19 in 2024): Rai's top-20 finish at Jack's Place and his ability to avoid trouble make him a contender. His success at Aronimink and his recent performance at the PGA Championship further solidify his potential.
- Ryan Gerard (T50 in 2025): Gerard's slight tweak at address and recent first-round leads showcase his potential. His old-school style and fun-to-watch game make him an interesting pick.
- Harris English (3rd in 2021): English's recent top-10 finishes and his ability to perform in difficult conditions make him a contender. His approach play and improved performance will be key.
- Hideki Matsuyama (T2 in 2017): Matsuyama's iron play and top-six finishes in the U.S. Open make him a contender. His inability to get off the tee is a concern, but his potential at Shinnecock Hills is undeniable.
