2026 U.S. Open: 4 Key Things to Know for Round 1 at Shinnecock Hills

The 2026 U.S. Open began Thursday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island following a brief fog delay. The tournament marks the sixth time the course has hosted the championship, presenting a rigorous test where only three players in USGA history have finished under par after 72 holes.

Why is Shinnecock Hills significant in golf history?

Founded in 1891, Shinnecock Hills is the oldest incorporated golf club in the United States. It became one of the original five member clubs of the USGA in 1894, when the organization was known as the Amateur Golf Association of the United States.

The course holds a unique legacy as the only venue to host the U.S. Open across the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. This history adds a layer of prestige to the trophy for this week’s winner.

Did You Know? Shinnecock Hills is the only course to have hosted the U.S. Open in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

Can Scottie Scheffler complete the career Grand Slam?

Scottie Scheffler is one victory away from a career Grand Slam after winning the 2025 PGA Championship and the Open Championship. He enters the tournament with one win this season and five top-five finishes, including a runner-up finish at the Masters.

During a Tuesday press conference, Scheffler stated that the grand slam has not been a motivating factor for him. He told reporters that while winning the U.S. Open would be a dream, his primary goal is to be the “best version” of himself.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the historical difficulty of Shinnecock Hills makes Scheffler’s pursuit particularly challenging, as the course’s track record of preventing under-par finishes creates a high barrier for any player seeking a historic milestone.

How will course conditions impact the players?

Designed by William Flynn in 1931, the layout uses natural topography and triangular three-hole stretches to test players. While fairways average 45 yards in width, Rory McIlroy warned during a Tuesday press conference that crosswinds could make them play much narrower.

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McIlroy noted that different slide angles and shifting winds could complicate the round. If the course dries out, the small, sloping greens and thick fescue lining the fairways may lead to significant scoring struggles for the field.

Which amateur golfers are competing in the field?

Twenty amateurs are competing in the 2026 U.S. Open. This includes 17-year-old Miles Russell, the top-ranked junior in the country, who is making his debut.

Russell told reporters Wednesday that he is treating the event like an AJGA tournament to see how his game compares to the world’s best. Additionally, Jackson Koivun, previously the top-ranked amateur, turned professional this week.

How to watch the 2026 U.S. Open

Featured group streaming is available starting at 7:29 a.m. ET on Thursday via Peacock, USOpen.com, and the USGA app. Peacock is also providing a live simulcast of NBCSN’s coverage from 5-8 p.m. ET.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the only golfers to finish under par at Shinnecock Hills after 72 holes?
Only Raymond Floyd (1986), Retief Goosen (2004), and Phil Mickelson (2004) have finished under par at this course in USGA history.

What is Scottie Scheffler’s current status regarding the Grand Slam?
Having won the 2025 PGA Championship and the Open Championship, Scheffler needs one more U.S. Open victory to complete the career Grand Slam.

How many amateurs are participating in this year’s tournament?
There are 20 amateurs in the field, including 17-year-old Miles Russell.

Who do you think will master the winds of Shinnecock Hills this week?