Shinnecock Hills reopens for the 126th U.S. Open, a venue that has delivered only three under‑par champions in five editions since 1896. The course’s wide fairways contrast its notoriously severe greens, a setup that will test every aspect of a player’s game. The field lines up with eight clear favorites and a dozen serious contenders.

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, who has yet to win in his last eleven starts, eyes a career Grand Slam. Rory McIlroy, fresh from a Masters win, offers a surge of form. Xander Schauffele and Jon Rahm bring recent victories and top‑10 consistency, while Matt Fitzpatrick’s three wins this season keep him in the mix for.

Other contenders include Russell Henley, whose 71.9% driving accuracy could tame Shinnecock’s rough, and Ludvig Åberg, who switched to a Scotty Cameron putter and finished fourth at the PGA Championship. Morikawa’s recent back recovery and Koepka’s prior 1‑over win add depth, while Bryson DeChambeau’s accuracy struggles keep him on the sidelines for the upcoming major.

With a field stacked by recent champions and seasoned majors, the U.S. Open will test consistency under pressure. Players who master the long approach and tight greens will dictate the leaderboard. The outcome will reshape rankings and set the tone for the final two majors of the 2026 season and for the global fans today.