Thursday's first round of the 2026 U.S. Open unfolded at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Defending champion J.J. Spaun stepped onto the 8:14 a.m. tee, aiming to repeat his 2025 triumph where he edged Robert MacIntyre by two strokes for his maiden major. The historic links set a demanding stage for the field.

Also on the tee was Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 whose résumé lacks only a U.S. Open title. A victory would complete a career Grand Slam, cementing his place among the game's elite. Analysts, including Mark Schlabach, predict Scheffler can leverage his recent form to pressure the defending champ early.

Spaun’s opening round will test whether his 2025 defense can withstand the pressure of a field hungry for redemption. Scheffler’s performance could reshape the season’s narrative, either propelling him toward historic glory or exposing a lingering gap in his résumé. Thursday’s results will set the tone for the weekend’s championship battle.

Fans and sponsors tuned in as early bird groups navigated the brutal rough and fast greens that define Shinnecock. Television ratings climbed, reflecting heightened interest in a potential first major for Scheffler and a repeat for Spaun. The Thursday scoreboard now serves as a barometer for who can handle the historic course under pressure.