2026 US Open Final Preview: Everything to Watch at Shinnecock Hills This Week

Photo by Andrew Shelley on Unsplash

The 126th US Open begins Thursday June 18 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. After a week of practice rounds, player press conferences, and preparation, competitive golf begins on one of the most historic and demanding venues in the world. Here is the final preview of everything to watch at the 2026 US Open.

The Favourites

Scottie Scheffler arrives as the world number one with a game profile built for US Open conditions — precise ball-striking, disciplined course management, and exceptional composure. Rory McIlroy, fresh from completing his Grand Slam at Augusta, brings course knowledge of Shinnecock from his pre-tournament rounds and a previous US Open title to his name. Brooks Koepka returns to a venue where he won in 2018 with three US Open titles behind him. Any of these three would be an unsurprising champion.

The Wildcards

Aaron Rai arrives with PGA Championship momentum. J.J. Spaun defends having shown at Oakmont that he can win US Opens. Bryson DeChambeau's two US Open titles show he understands how to win this specific championship. Any major championship field at this level has multiple players capable of producing a week that exceeds expectations.

The Weather Factor

June on the eastern end of Long Island means variable conditions — the Atlantic Ocean and Peconic Bay can generate significant wind at any time. If the wind blows consistently from the south or southwest across the Shinnecock property, scores will be high and the winning total will be close to even par. If the championship week is calm, scores will be lower and the winner may reach eight or ten under par. Watch the weather forecasts heading into the week — they will significantly shape the competitive dynamics.

The Historical Context

Every US Open at Shinnecock Hills has been won at or above even par — the most demanding scoring record of any regular major championship venue. The 2026 champion will almost certainly continue that pattern. Patience, precision, and the ability to avoid the mistakes that Shinnecock punishes most severely will define who lifts the trophy on Sunday evening.

How to Watch

All four rounds broadcast on NBC with early coverage on USA Network. Peacock streams the championship live all four days with Featured Groups and the full broadcast available to subscribers. A free antenna provides NBC access over the air for the afternoon windows. The championship begins Thursday morning with the first tee shots shortly after dawn at Shinnecock Hills.