2026 World Cup group stage predictions: New format & new rules
By Klimentijs Konevs | Published: June 17, 2026, 10:00
The 2026 U.S. Open takes us back to one of golf's most iconic venues as Shinnecock Hills Golf Club hosts the championship for the sixth time. From June 18 to June 21, a field of 156 players will battle it out on Long Island.
Anyone who remembers the last U.S. Open at Shinnecock in 2018 will know just how demanding this course can be. The layout itself is not especially long by modern standards, but thick rough, firm greens and unpredictable coastal winds can quickly turn a good round into a frustrating one.

The US Open betting odds are headed by the same names that have dominated golf over the past few seasons. World number one Scottie Scheffler is the clear favourite after another remarkable season, while Rory McIlroy will be looking to continue his strong run following his Masters victory earlier this year. The defending champion, J.J. Spaun, will try to become the first player since Brooks Koepka to successfully defend the title.
It says a lot about Scheffler's standards that a run without a victory is being discussed as a concern. Even during his recent winless stretch, he has continued to collect top finishes and rarely looks out of contention. The biggest storyline surrounding the American this week is the opportunity to complete the career Grand Slam. Shinnecock's emphasis on approach play and difficult scoring conditions should suit his game perfectly, although bettors are paying a premium for backing the world number one.
McIlroy arrives at Shinnecock looking to add another major title to what has already been a memorable season. After finally completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta, the Northern Irishman has continued to show signs of strong form. His ability to control ball flight and adapt to changing conditions should make him one of the most dangerous players in the field, particularly if the forecasted winds become a major factor throughout the week.
Rahm continues to be one of the safest bets in major championships. The Spaniard was right in the mix at the PGA Championship and has repeatedly shown that he can handle demanding setups where par is a good score. His aggressive style is balanced by a strong short game and excellent scrambling ability.
Few players have a better recent record in the U.S. Open than DeChambeau. He has already won the championship twice and seems to enjoy the mental challenge that comes with difficult conditions. While Shinnecock is not a course where power alone guarantees success, his length still provides a major advantage on several of the longer holes. A closing-round 65 in his latest LIV Golf start suggests he arrives with plenty of momentum.
Young has become one of the most talked-about players without a major title, and many believe his breakthrough is getting closer. He was ranked as Golf Digest's top betting value among the leading contenders this week, thanks to a strong run of form over the past several months. Playing in his home state will bring additional attention, but it could also provide a boost if he gets off to a fast start.
Schauffele's consistency at the U.S. Open is almost unmatched. He has recorded nine consecutive top-15 finishes in majors at this championship, including seven top-10 results. While victories have been harder to come by recently, few players are as reliable when it comes to putting themselves in contention. At these odds, he looks like a strong each-way option.
Aberg already looks comfortable on golf's biggest stages despite being one of the younger stars in the field. His powerful tee-to-green game and calm temperament have helped him contend in majors before, and Shinnecock's wide fairways should suit his aggressive style.
Fleetwood will have fond memories of Shinnecock Hills after firing a stunning final-round 63 here in 2018 to finish runner-up. The Englishman has also recorded multiple top-five finishes at the U.S. Open and tends to thrive when scoring conditions become difficult.
| Player | Odds to win |
| Scottie Scheffler | 6.50 |
| Rory McIlroy | 11.00 |
| Jon Rahm | 13.00 |
| Bryson DeChambeau | 19.00 |
| Cameron Young | 19.00 |
| Xander Schauffele | 19.00 |
| Ludvig Aberg | 21.00 |
| Tommy Fleetwood | 21.00 |
| Brooks Koepka | 26.00 |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | 26.00 |
Cameron Young to win - 19.00
Young looks ready to take the next step in his career after a superb run of results over the past year. Few players have been performing at a higher level in recent months, and returning to New York should only add to his motivation.
Scottie Scheffler to finish in the top 5 - 2.62
Scheffler remains the most reliable player in golf, even if the victories have become harder to come by recently. The American continues to collect top finishes almost every time he tees it up, and his tee-to-green game is perfectly suited to a demanding U.S. Open test.
Xander Schauffele to finish in the top 10 - 3.30
Year after year, Schauffele finds a way to stay near the top of the leaderboard, regardless of the venue or conditions. His consistency in this championship is remarkable, making a top-10 finish one of the strongest betting angles available this week.
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