2026 U.S. Open Preview: Scheffler's Grand Slam Quest, Sleeper Picks, and the Shinnecock Challenge

Shinnecock Returns as the Ultimate Test

The 2026 U.S. Open returns to Shinnecock Hills for the first time since Brooks Koepka's dominant 2018 victory — a week when nobody finished under par. With gusts forecast near 40 mph on Thursday and severely exposed greens, the USGA faces the same challenge it failed in 2004 and 2018: keeping the course fair without making it unplayable.

Scheffler's Grand Slam Bid

Scottie Scheffler leads the tour in SG: Total (2.162) and Tee-to-Green (1.696), but a subtle shift stands out: his proximity from fairway approaches on par-4s and par-5s has dropped from 32.5% (2022–2025) to 21.2% this season. That razor-thin drop in approach sharpness may explain his three runner-up finishes this year. His wind-management under pressure — highlighted by a caddie incident at the Memorial — will be under scrutiny at Shinnecock.

Sleeper Contenders Worth Watching

The past four U.S. Open winners all came from outside the world top 10. Robert MacIntyre, comfortable in links conditions and a runner-up last year, fits the profile. Si Woo Kim leads in top-10s this season with eight and ranks third in driving accuracy (69.8%), though his putting (101st, -0.098 SG) is a concern. Viktor Hovland's third-place finish at the RBC Canadian Open — leading SG: Approach — suggests a potential hot streak is forming.

First Major Hopefuls

Russell Henley enters as a course-fit candidate, leading the tour in driving accuracy (71.9%) and scrambling (69.5%) — exactly what Shinnecock demands. He has six top-10s in his last 11 majors. Tommy Fleetwood, who shot a final-round 63 here in 2018, boasts elite ball-striking but will need to overcome a weak putter (69th on tour) to convert contention into a title.

LIV Spotlight

Jon Rahm has rediscovered his form with two LIV wins and three top-10s in his last five majors. As the 2021 U.S. Open champion who thrives on difficult setups, he is a legitimate title threat. Bryson DeChambeau, testing prototype equipment on the range, needs a turnaround after two consecutive missed cuts at majors.