The 126th US Open is ready to get underway and will begin next Thursday at one of the most emblematic and demanding venues in world golf. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, in New York, will host from 18 to 21 June a new edition of the US major, with a course measuring 7,440 yards, par 70, a field of 156 players, including 19 amateurs, and the promise of once again testing the world’s best golfers to the limit
Recent history shows that surviving Shinnecock Hills is almost as important as playing well. The last time the US Open visited this layout, in 2018, Brooks Koepka claimed his second consecutive title at the tournament, becoming the first player in almost three decades to link two straight victories. The American carded a final round of 68 (-2) to prevail by one stroke over Tommy Fleetwood, who shot a spectacular 63, still one of the most memorable rounds in the tournament’s history
That edition was also marked by the extreme toughness of the course. On the third day, none of the last 45 players to start the round managed to finish under par, which even led the USGA to acknowledge it had taken the course too far and to ease the conditions by watering the greens
Scheffler chases the Grand Slam
One of the main focal points will be Scottie Scheffler. The world No. 1 has the opportunity to become the seventh player in history to complete the career Grand Slam if he lifts the trophy this Sunday. The bookmakers have him as the main favourite, with odds of approximately +550. Behind him appear other prominent names such as Rory McIlroy (+1000), Jon Rahm (+1200) and Cameron Young (+1800)
Precisely Jon will look to add a second US Open to his record after his triumph in 2021, while McIlroy will attempt to end a major drought that has lasted more than a decade
Adam Scott reaches a historic milestone
The tournament will also have an important historical component thanks to Adam Scott. The Australian will contest his 100th consecutive major at Shinnecock Hills, a figure within reach of very few. Only Jack Nicklaus has a longer streak, with 146 straight majors
In addition, Scott will be part of a very exclusive group. Alongside Justin Rose and Graeme McDowell, he will be one of the only players present at the last three editions of the US Open held at Shinnecock Hills: 2004, 2018 and now 2026. Brandt Snedeker could join them if he finally gains entry to the field as an alternate
Spaun defends his title
The defending champion is J.J. Spaun, who last year produced one of the most unexpected stories in recent golf at Oakmont
On a Sunday marked by rain and parity, Spaun built his victory with two unforgettable shots: he reached the green of the 17th hole, a par-4, to card a decisive birdie and finished the job by sinking an almost 20-metre putt for birdie at the 18th. His final round of 72 (+2) allowed him to finish on 279 strokes (-1), being the only player able to complete the championship under par and thus claiming the first major of his career
A course unique in history
Shinnecock Hills prides itself on a privileged place in golf history. It is the only course to have hosted the US Open in three different centuries: the 19th, the 20th and the 21st
Its previous champions at this venue have been true tournament legends: Brooks Koepka (2018), Retief Goosen (2004), Corey Pavin (1995), Raymond Floyd (1986) and James Foulis (1896)
Another curious fact is that only Goosen, Floyd and Phil Mickelson have managed to finish under par in five rounds of the US Open played at Shinnecock Hills
Mickelson out of the equation
The name of Phil Mickelson inevitably resurfaces when the Grand Slam is discussed. The American, a six-time major winner, is no longer eligible to play the US Open, precisely the only major he was missing to complete the collection after having finished runner-up on six occasions
The USGA’s warning
After the criticism received eight years ago over the extreme course conditions, the organisation seems to have taken note. John Bodenhamer, championships director at the USGA, summed up the philosophy for this week: “The way we’re approaching it this year is to let Shinnecock be Shinnecock.” And that, coming from one of the most demanding and revered courses on the planet, is a statement of intent
The cut will be set for the top 60 and ties, while, in the event of a tie after 72 holes, the champion will be decided by a two-hole aggregate playoff, which will be played immediately after the final round concludes. The prize fund has not yet been officially announced, although the previous edition paid out $21.5 million, with $4.3 million for the winner
