The 126th US Open takes place from 18 to 21 June 2026 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. One of the most revered venues in American golf hosts the national championship for the sixth time, offering the world’s best players a demanding test on one of the finest links-style courses in the United States. With Scottie Scheffler chasing the career Grand Slam, this edition carries added historical significance.
What is the US Open?
The US Open is one of men’s golf’s four major championships and the annual national open championship of the United States. Organised by the United States Golf Association (USGA), it was first held in 1895 at Newport Golf Club in Rhode Island, making it the second oldest major after The Open Championship.
The tournament is open to any professional or amateur golfer with a handicap index not exceeding 1.4, provided they qualify through a rigorous two-stage process of local and final qualifying. The field typically numbers 156 players competing over 72 holes of stroke play from Thursday to Sunday, with a cut after 36 holes. The US Open is renowned for its exacting course setups, with the USGA traditionally narrowing fairways, growing thick rough, and firming greens to produce the most challenging conditions in championship golf.
When is the US Open?
The 2026 US Open runs across a full week at Shinnecock Hills:
- Monday 15 June to Wednesday 17 June: Practice rounds
- Thursday 18 June: Round 1
- Friday 19 June: Round 2
- Saturday 20 June: Round 3
- Sunday 21 June: Final round
The US Open traditionally concludes on Father’s Day weekend in the United States. If the championship ends in a tie after 72 holes, a two-hole aggregate playoff is used to determine the champion.
Where is the US Open?
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is located in Southampton on the eastern end of Long Island, New York. Founded in 1891, it is one of the five charter member clubs that established the USGA in 1894, and it holds the distinction of being the only venue to have hosted the US Open in three different centuries: 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2018, and now 2026.
The course was redesigned by William S. Flynn in 1931 and sits on approximately 300 acres of rolling terrain that is as close to authentic links land as exists in America. Exposed to Atlantic winds, the layout demands shot-making creativity, with small, undulating greens, deep bunkers, and native fescue rough that punishes wayward drives. Shinnecock is widely regarded as one of the finest golf courses in the world, consistently ranking among the top five in the United States.
Southampton is approximately 90 miles east of New York City, accessible via the Long Island Expressway. The nearest airport is Long Island MacArthur Airport, with JFK International Airport the major gateway for international visitors.
Key Contenders
Scottie Scheffler arrives at Shinnecock Hills with the opportunity to complete the career Grand Slam. Having won The Masters (2022, 2024), the PGA Championship (2025), and The Open Championship (2025), only the US Open remains on his list. He is the clear favourite at around +360 in the betting markets and would become just the sixth player in history to win all four major championships.
Rory McIlroy won the US Open at Congressional in 2011 by eight strokes with a record score of 16 under par. The Northern Irishman remains one of the most talented players in the world and thrives on demanding championship setups. His second-favourite status in the market reflects his consistency in major championships.
Bryson DeChambeau is a two-time US Open champion, having won at Winged Foot in 2020 and Pinehurst No. 2 in 2024. His combination of power and precision makes him a formidable competitor at Shinnecock, where driving distance and accuracy are both essential. A third US Open title would place him in elite historical company.
Tommy Fleetwood has repeatedly contended in the US Open, most notably finishing runner-up at Shinnecock Hills in 2018 with a stunning final-round 63. His familiarity with the course and affinity for firm, fast conditions make him a strong contender. Ludvig Aberg, Collin Morikawa, and Xander Schauffele round out the leading group of challengers.
How to Watch the US Open
The US Open is broadcast extensively across multiple platforms:
- United States: NBC provides the primary television coverage, with USA Network and Golf Channel carrying additional rounds and early coverage. Streaming is available on Peacock. The USGA website and app offer featured group and featured hole coverage throughout the week.
- United Kingdom and Ireland: Sky Sports Golf broadcasts all four championship rounds live.
- Australia: Fox Sports and Kayo Sports provide live coverage.
- Global: The championship is distributed to broadcasters in over 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Coverage typically begins in the early morning Eastern Time with featured group and featured hole streams, before the main broadcast window opens from midday through the evening.
History and Records
The US Open was first held in 1895 at Newport Golf Club, with Horace Rawlins winning the inaugural championship. Four players share the record for most US Open victories with four each: Willie Anderson, Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan, and Jack Nicklaus.
Rory McIlroy holds the record for the lowest winning score in relation to par at 16 under, set at Congressional in 2011, a mark matched by Brooks Koepka at Erin Hills in 2017. The lowest single-round score is 62, shot by both Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele during the first round at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023.
Shinnecock Hills has produced some memorable US Open chapters. In 1986, Raymond Floyd won at the age of 43. The 2004 edition was infamous for near-unplayable conditions on the seventh green during the final round. In 2018, Brooks Koepka successfully defended his title in demanding conditions, while Fleetwood’s final-round 63 was one of the finest rounds in US Open history. The 2025 championship at Oakmont saw J.J. Spaun produce a remarkable final-day comeback, holing a 64-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole to win at one under par.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills are available through the official USGA website at usopen.com. Options include daily gallery tickets providing grounds access and grandstand seating, as well as premium experiences such as the Trophy Club (a climate-controlled hospitality facility along the 4th fairway) and reserved grandstand seating at the 7th, 13th, and 15th holes.
Official ticket packages from USGA Experiences include premium hospitality, behind-the-scenes tours, and exclusive benefits. Secondary market prices for the US Open average approximately USD 1,033 for daily tickets and USD 2,357 for weekly badges.
The US Open regularly attracts over 200,000 spectators across the championship week, making it one of the best-attended events in professional golf.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the US Open start?
The 126th US Open begins with practice rounds on Monday 15 June. Championship play starts on Thursday 18 June and concludes on Sunday 21 June 2026.
Where is the US Open being held?
The 2026 US Open is at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, on the eastern end of Long Island.
How can I watch the US Open?
In the United States, NBC, USA Network, and Golf Channel share coverage, with streaming on Peacock. In the UK, Sky Sports Golf broadcasts live. In Australia, Fox Sports and Kayo Sports carry the event.
Who won the US Open last year?
J.J. Spaun won the 2025 US Open at Oakmont Country Club, finishing at one under par after a dramatic final-round comeback that included a 64-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole.
How many times has Shinnecock Hills hosted the US Open?
The 2026 edition will be the sixth US Open at Shinnecock Hills, following championships in 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, and 2018. It is the only venue to have hosted the US Open in three different centuries.