DraftKings DFS Fantasy Golf Cheat Sheet: 2026 U.S. Open Picks

The 2026 U.S. Open will take place at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, featuring a 156-player field. According to analysis by Geoff Ulrich, the 7,440-yard course will test golfers with firm conditions and winds between 10 and 20 mph, with a cut limited to the top 60 players and ties.

What makes Shinnecock Hills a difficult U.S. Open venue?

Shinnecock Hills is a par 70 course measuring roughly 7,440 yards. It consists of 12 par 4s, four par 3s, and two par 5s, according to Ulrich.

The venue is exposed to constant wind from the Atlantic Ocean and Peconic Bay. Fairways average nearly 50 yards in width but are guarded by native fescue and thick rough, while greens feature severe runoffs.

The course includes several par 4s longer than 490 yards, including a 520-yard 14th and a 490-yard finishing hole. The 16th hole is the longest on the course at 614 yards.

Did You Know? Retief Goosen holds the best winning score ever posted at Shinnecock Hills, finishing at -4 in 2004.

Who are the key contenders and trends for the 2026 U.S. Open?

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler enters the event after finishing outside the top 10 at both the PGA and Memorial, according to Ulrich. The field also includes LIV Golf players such as past champions Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, along with Lucas Herbert and David Puig.

Historical trends indicate that 12 of the past 14 U.S. Open winners recorded at least four top-10 finishes during the season prior to their victory. Additionally, eight of the last 18 winners had at least one win on the season before claiming the title.

Ulrich notes that five of the last seven winners placed inside the top 10 at the PGA Championship and gained over 7.0 strokes tee-to-green at that event.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that approach stats and long-iron proximity (175 yards+) are critical at this venue. Players who can hit specific tiers of the green may avoid the bogeys that typically plague those who rely on volatile birdie-making.

Which players fit the course profile at Shinnecock Hills?

Chris Gotterup is highlighted as a strong fit due to his familiarity with East Coast setups and a low, powerful ball flight that performs well in wind. Gotterup, a New Jersey native, posted a T10 at the recent PGA and a T23 at a previous U.S. Open, according to Ulrich.

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Cameron Smith is identified as a sleeper pick because of his scrambling and putting abilities. Smith recently finished T7 at Aronimink and T5 at LIV Golf Andalucía, according to the report.

Other notable mentions include Sam Burns, who posted a top-10 at Augusta, and Si Woo Kim, who Ulrich notes has thrived at coastal venues. Wyndham Clark enters with momentum following a win in Texas and a T3 at Muirfield.

What is the weather outlook for the tournament?

Forecasts call for temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70s with winds ranging from 10 to 20 mph. Ulrich reports that Thursday and Saturday are projected to be the windiest days, with Thursday gusts potentially exceeding 20 mph.

Because of these conditions, Ulrich suggests that Thursday afternoon or Friday morning start times could be advantageous, depending on when the wind dies down.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cut line for the 2026 U.S. Open?
The cut will feature the top 60 players and ties.

What are the course specifications for Shinnecock Hills?
The course is a par 70 measuring 7,440 yards with Poa/bentgrass overseed greens.

How many players are in the field?
The field consists of 156 players, including professionals and non-professionals who entered through qualifying.

Which player’s game do you believe is best suited for the windy conditions at Shinnecock Hills?