US Open 2026 Cut Rule, Format and Prize Money Explained

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The 2026 US Open has specific rules, format details, and competitive structures that set it apart from the other major championships. Here is everything you need to know about how the 126th US Open at Shinnecock Hills works from start to finish.

The Format

The US Open is a 72-hole stroke play event played over four days. All competitors play 18 holes on Thursday (Round 1) and Friday (Round 2). After 36 holes, a cut is made. The players who make the cut play 18 holes on Saturday (Round 3) and 18 holes on Sunday (Round 4). The lowest 72-hole total wins the US Open trophy.

The Cut Rule

The US Open makes a cut to the top 60 players and ties after 36 holes. This is more inclusive than the Masters (top 50 and ties) but less inclusive than the PGA Championship's 70-player cut. With a 156-player field, approximately 90 players will miss the cut at Shinnecock Hills after Friday's round.

The Playoff Format

If two or more players are tied after 72 holes, the US Open uses a two-hole aggregate playoff. This was changed from the previous 18-hole Monday playoff format that historically required an additional day of competition. The two-hole aggregate play-off takes place on the 17th and 18th holes. If still tied after two holes, sudden death continues on the 18th hole.

Prize Money

The 2025 US Open at Oakmont offered a total purse of $21.5 million, with champion J.J. Spaun taking home $4.3 million. The 2026 purse at Shinnecock Hills is expected to be at a similar level or higher based on the trajectory of major championship prize funds. The US Open consistently ranks among the highest-paying events in professional golf.

Exemptions for the Winner

The US Open champion receives a five-year exemption into future US Opens and a five-year PGA Tour exemption. The champion is also exempt into the Masters (five years), the Open Championship (five years), and the PGA Championship (five years). Winning the US Open effectively guarantees five years of major championship starts — one of the most valuable competitive benefits in professional golf.

The Field Size

The 2026 US Open fields 156 players — the same as the other major championships. The field includes fully exempt players (approximately half the field), players who earned their spots through final sectional qualifying, and the necessary roster of past champions and world-ranking exemptions that make the US Open the most complete assembly of golf talent in the world.