The United States Open Championship returns to one of American golf’s most historic stages in 2026, as Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, hosts the national championship from June 18–21. The 126th U.S. Open will bring a 156-player field to a windswept, strategic course long associated with firm conditions, demanding green complexes, and the championship’s traditional mandate: identify the player best equipped to handle golf’s sternest examination.

Shinnecock’s carries excitement as the club has already hosted the U.S. Open five times, spanning three centuries. Its roll call of champions includes pioneers, major champions, elite ball strikers, and players with exceptional short game control and imagination. The 2026 edition is expected to test every part of the game: distance and accuracy off the tee, disciplined approach play, imaginative recovery shots, and putting nerve on fast, undulated greens..

Golf Course History

Founded in 1891, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States and one of the five founding clubs of the United States Golf Association. Its clubhouse, designed by McKim, Mead & White and opened in 1892, is often cited as the first purpose-built golf clubhouse in the country. From its earliest years, Shinnecock occupied a distinctive place in American golf, not only because of its age and architecture, but also because it admitted women members at a time when that was uncommon among elite clubs.

The course began as a 12-hole layout designed by Willie Davis, was expanded to 18 holes by Willie Dunn, and later evolved through work by Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor. Its modern identity largely traces to William Flynn’s 1931 redesign, which used the natural terrain of Long Island’s South Fork to create a links-style test exposed to shifting winds from nearby Peconic Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The routing asks players to solve different angles throughout the round, making wind direction, trajectory control, and patience central to success.

Previous U.S. Open Winners at Shinnecock Hills

Shinnecock Hills has hosted the U.S. Open five times before 2026, producing champions across three different centuries. The previous winners are:

Favorites to Contend in 2026

Early championship previews point to a deep group of contenders, led by elite ball-strikers and major-tested players who can handle Shinnecock’s firm fairways, exposed winds, and fast greens. Leading favorites include:

·       Scottie Scheffler — The clear pre-tournament favorite, with the all-around game and major pedigree to complete a career Grand Slam if he wins at Shinnecock.

·       Rory McIlroy — A proven major champion whose driving and high-ball flight make him a threat if he controls approach shots in the wind.

·       Jon Rahm — A former U.S. Open champion with the power, shot-making, and competitive edge suited to a demanding national championship setup.

·       Cameron Young — A Long Island native and one of the most intriguing contenders, combining length with familiarity playing in New York conditions.

·       Xander Schauffele — A consistent major performer whose complete game should travel well to Shinnecock’s balanced test.

·       Tommy Fleetwood — A strong fit for difficult, links-like conditions, with past U.S. Open contention and reliable ball-striking.

·       Bryson DeChambeau — A two-time U.S. Open champion whose power can create scoring chances, though accuracy and touch around Shinnecock’s greens will be critical.

·       Ludvig Åberg — A rising star whose driving and composure make him a fashionable pick despite still chasing his first major title.

·       Matt Fitzpatrick — A former U.S. Open winner with precision, patience, and a short game well suited to firm, strategic venues.

·       Brooks Koepka — The 2018 Shinnecock champion remains a major threat if healthy and in form, given his history of peaking on the biggest stages.

I am fortunate enough to have attended United States Open Championships at Shinnecock Hills and to have played the course in 1998. It is an amazing golf course with an incredible group of par 3 holes. The most challenging and iconic is the short 11^th hole with a blind tee shot to the uphill windswept green. Brooks Koepka’s scrambling bogey on Sunday followed by Dustin Johnson’s 3 putt bogey was a crucial part of the final round in 2018. I expect the par 3 holes to play a significant role in determining this year’s champion.

Scott Warren Golf Picks:

Scott – I am going with Matthew Fitzpatrick for the 2026 champion, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cameron Young near the top of the leaderboard down the stretch.

Alexis – I’m personally rooting for Cam Young to win the US Open. I like him, and he is also having a great competition season.   

Brendon – Scottie Scheffler. He’s just too good and I think this is the year he completes the career grand slam.