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He's Battled US Open Crowds And Shown His True Character - Is The Rehabilitation Of Wyndham Clark Complete?

onepaulh@hotmail.com (Paul Higham) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 17:00:32 +0000

Those jeers that surprised us all at the US Open may have been the best thing to happen for Wyndham Clark, as they've gone a long way to rehabilitate an image and reputation that when you think about it may have been a touch unfair in the first place.

For starters, not everyone was rooting against Clark at Shinnecock Hills, and of those that were not all of them were doing it because they personally didn't like the guy - many just either wanted some drama or were pulling for Scottie Scheffler's Grand Slam bid.

Brooks Koepka got similar treatment at Bethpage Black during the 2019 PGA Championship, while we all know how the Ryder Cup went, so part of the problem was just simply the rowdy New York crowd.

But there's no doubt Clark's perceived bad boy image was also at play here - mainly for him smashing up a locker at Oakmont at last year's US Open but also a few other transgressions that have worked against him.

The way he handled himself at Shinnecock Hills though was exceptional, every neutral can admit that, and in the days following his second US Open success he's surely won people over

The 32-year-old could easily have reacted to the fans during that super stressful Shinnecock Sunday, but he battled through, lifted the trophy and even then resisted the temptation to stick it to the New York fans.

He won with good grace, even praising the fans and later saying it was good for the sport of golf to have a newer audience attending tournaments.

Subsequent interviews have revealed a far more humble and likeable personality than his previous persona has suggested, and maybe like Bryson DeChambeau this US Open victory could be a turning point from pantomime villain to crowd favorite.

And much like DeChambeau, Clark does things his own way and, like him or not, is very much a character that does occasionally say things that rub some people up the wrong way.

He says what he thinks though, and isn't authenticity needed in sport? You could also argue that any good sport needs a villain...

Why Wyndham Clark had a bad reputation

First and foremost, Clark is still taking heat for smashing up a locker in the famous old clubhouse at Oakmont during last year's US Open.

Clark did apologize after the event, but not quite as quickly as some wanted and also not as contrite as many thought he should be.

That came just a month after Clark also got in hot water during the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow with an angry driver throw after a bad tee shot - damaging a sign but coming close to hitting either a fan or volunteer.

So an anger issue became the theme for Clark, but he faced a lot of questions pre-Shinnecock about those and insisted incidents like at Oakmont "are not me" and seemed genuinely apologetic.

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And just to prove it, Clark then had to run the gauntlet of the New York fans on Sunday, keeping his cool remarkably well considering - maybe this is a new calmer Wyndham Clark?

Maybe he shouldn't have had to prove himself - yes the locker damage was awful but he did apologize and it's not like he's the only golfer to have let his temper boil over.

Even Rory McIlroy has launched a club into a lake, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton turn the air blue almost constantly and Sergio Garcia dismantled a tee box at Augusta National this year - so Clark could have a case for feeling hard done by in comparison.

Just another reason why keeping his cool at Shinnecock was so impressive.

Hero or villain - Clark character shines through

So will Clark go the DeChambeau route and now become something of a cult hero, or will he remain a Patrick Reed type as a pantomime villain - you could say there's more to gain as a villain these days.

Fighting the crowd certainly brought out the dog in Clark, something he'll need to build on this success as despite having pocketed two Majors his record overall in the top events is average at best.

Good guy or bad guy though, Clark should retain his character as he shoots from the hip, much to the dismay of his PR team at times - especially when telling the story of how NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield stole his girlfriend a decade ago.

Wyndham Clark hates Baker Mayfield for good reason pic.twitter.com/51eE4e44U9June 24, 2026

Doing the rounds on Barstool, Pat McAfee and other podcasts following Shinnecock, Clark showed he's no wallflower, confirming his now infamous saying that "a lot of grape was opened" to celebrate after Sunday.

He's previously explained frequent equipment changes by saying "it's nice to have a week-long girlfriend" although he was qick to clarify it was a joke.

And at this year's Masters Par-3 Contest, while watching most of the other players go around with their childrean, Clark said: "I will say as a man with no kids, it’s great birth control, but it’s a lot of fun."

So Clark is a character we surely need in golf, he can make good headlines as well as bad, and his media roadshow this week is shedding a new light on him that could, and should, win over some new fans.

Going full Bryson seems a longshot, but just being able to close the Oakmont chapter and be known for his golf will be a start.

Keegan Bradley 'Surprised' By 'Unfortunate' US Open Jeers - But Wyndham Clark Reveals Why It Shows 'Golf Is Cool Right Now'

onepaulh@hotmail.com (Paul Higham) — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:07:01 +0000

Is the rise of controversial crowd behavior such as at the US Open down to golf now branching out and attracting more general sports fans? Keegan Bradley thinks so, and even Wyndham Clark thinks it's a good thing.

Bradley did say it was "unfortunate" that a proportion of the crowd at Shinnecock Hills was so overtly cheering against Clark during the US Open - in arguably the toughest atmosphere an American has faced trying to win his national championship.

Battling Scottie Scheffler chasing the Grand Slam didn't help, but many still feel shouts of "get in the bunker" and cheering Clark's bad shots overstepped the mark.

Bradley knows a thing or two about rowdy New York crowds from his Ryder Cup captaincy, and although this was nowhere near the level of nearby Bethpage Black it has led to further criticism of what some feel is a worrying growing culture of fans going too far.

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Bradley, though, feels it just shows that golf is now capturing the public imagination, and attracting fans that are usually attending different sports such as at NBA or NFL games.

And there's not many fanbases more vocal than those in the New York area.

"I think that golf is in the process of leaving just the golf world, where people are coming to tournaments that are sports fans and that's how people in New York cheer on the Knicks or the Giants or whatever," said Bradley at the Travelers Championship.

"And they're coming to tournaments and they're sports fans, and they're golfers, but I think that we're entering a time where the game is really growing in popularity."

Bradley believes more fans are now coming to golf tournaments to enjoy themselves ahead of watching the best golfers in the planet - but that's all part of a sport growing outside it's usual demographic.

"I think people are coming to golf tournaments to have a good time," he added.

"I found it a little surprising, considering Wyndham's American, and at the US Open, but Scottie Scheffler's a really popular player going for the Grand Slam.

"Unfortunate, but hey, I mean, Wyndham won, so he handled it really well. I think it's just, we're in an interesting time here where golf is really taking off and we're seeing a different group of people coming to these tournaments."

'Golf is cool right now' - Clark

(Image credit: Getty Images)

And even Clark, who was on the wrong end of the crowd, insisted that it's a good thing a newer audience is coming out to watch the sport.

"I don't really see any negative in more people coming to the golf," said Clark, even though he had to battle against the fans all day on Sunday.

"I think of, jokingly think of Happy Gilmore when he first came out and they had all those crazy fans, when he played in that movie.

"But I think that's good. It brings new audiences. I think it's great for the game of golf. Golf is cool right now.

"That's going to bring cool people, and they're going to want to watch golf and they might react differently. I think maybe it's a little different in New York than maybe other places, but, no, I think it's all good."

What are your thoughts on the US Open crowd or golf fans in general? Is there too much bad behavior or does golf need to roll with the times? Let us know by joining the conversation below...

'Disgraceful' Fans, Time For A Serious Rollback And Did The USGA Get It Right? - 10 Takeaways From The 2026 US Open

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 14:57:04 +0000

'Inside The Ropes' is the chance for Golf Monthly's expert team to share its honest thoughts on the biggest subjects in the game. This week, we look back on the 2026 US Open.

The third men's Major of the year has now passed as Wyndham Clark sealed his second US Open title with a gritty one-stroke victory at Shinnecock Hills.

The 2023 LACC champion edged out Sam Burns by the finest of margins on Long Island, after starting the day with a six-stroke lead and having to deal with constant 'get in the bunker' cries from the watching galleries.

Clark proved to be a very worthy champion, prevailing over a great golf course and beating all of the world's top players to write his name in the history books as a multiple Major winner.

So, what were our key takeaways from the week? Here are the thoughts of Golf Monthly's tour experts - and make sure to let us know your views in the comment box below...

THE USGA GOT IT RIGHT

Before a shot was even hit, the talk was around course set-up following the incidents of 2018 and 2004, where the course received negativity from the players.

High winds and fog didn't help the matter this year but, overall, I felt the USGA got the set-up spot on, as shown by the leaderboard and how there was limited talk around the course following the build-up.

For me, it was firm but fair. Only three players ended the championship under-par and, had it not been for Wyndham Clark's putter, that four-under total could have been higher.

I take my hat off to the USGA, who got the course set-up right in tough circumstances.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

USA'S IMPRESSIVE LINE OF TALENT

Several big names shone at Shinnecock Hills, but a number of young American stars showed off what they are capable of at the US Open.

Miles Russell, who is only 17-years-old, was immense all week and finished above multiple Major winners. He's predicted to do big things and seems to be very level-headed, a great characteristic for any player.

Jackson Koivun, who is to turn professional soon, is another incredible young talent and, sharing low amateur honors with Ryder Cowan, shows that the 21-year-old pair are also ones to watch.

USA's 2026 Walker Cup side could be the strongest in history and, although this doesn't translate into the Ryder Cup down the line, it wouldn't surprise me to see Team USA dominate the latter going forward.

Jim Furyk recently announced that he has turned to statistical analysis for the 2027 Ryder Cup, taking a leaf out of Europe's book. If it works, then combined with the young crop of talent coming through, the USA could be a force to be reckoned with going forward.

HATED FAN REACTION ON SUNDAY

If you read my opinion piece on the disgraceful way many fans reacted to Wyndham Clark on Sunday, you'll already know how I feel about the subject.

I wondered if it was perhaps the emotion which is stirred up in the moment which caused me to feel that way, but after I slept on it I realized I'm just as annoyed today.

Again, not to labor the point, I know Clark isn't the most universally popular kid on the block, but you have to respect the performance he put in at Shinnecock Hills.

It was outstanding with a little bit of everything thrown in there. As a result, the jeers and cries that were sent his way during the final round made me feel really disappointed in the behavior of those people.

Why can't golf fans just respect great play when they see it, regardless of who's producing it?

Golf isn't a popularity contest, it's a game of skill. Clark showed the most ability last week, and he also did very well not to bite to any of the nonsense. Bravo Wyndham.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

WHAT A FIGHTBACK BY NIEMANN

US Opens are all about hanging tough, and Joaquin Niemann showed just how gritty a competitor he is following a rough start on Thursday.

The Chilean let himself down with what can only be described as a full strop from a grown man in round one, which consequently led to him becoming the first player to be docked two strokes under the Majors' new Code of Conduct policy.

He carded a seven-over-par 11 on the sixth hole and could easily have downed tools there and then.

But he didn't. Niemann gritted his teeth and turned that negative energy into something extremely positive.

Following the opening 78, he carded a superb 65 to make the cut before posting scores of 72 and 66 to finish T7th on one-over. Instead of heading home early, he recorded his best ever Major finish.

Now, he'll be back next year with a huge lesson in his back pocket as he looks to improve further.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

SHINNECOCK WAS THE STAR

Fans aside, Shinnecock sets the standard for what a US Open test should be.

It's a shame the winds were so strong at the beginning of the week, meaning we got a Diet-US Open setup for the opening two and a half days.

Nevertheless, watching the players having to be creative around the greens and top-level iron play being rewarded instead of the bomb-and-gauge of the week-to-week PGA Tour was a breath of fresh air and a reminder that lush green golf courses with thick rough don't set the stage for the most entertaining version of the sport, especially in this era of equipment technology.

I doubt we'll see any players fist pumping after par putts this week at TPC River Highlands like we did countless times in Long Island.

Give me Shinnecock over any other US Open venue in a heartbeat.

ANOHER MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR FLEETWOOD?

Another chance slips away for Tommy Fleetwood.

The course was a fantastic fit for his game and his form peaked at the right time going into the week.

After an electric round on Saturday, he positioned himself beautifully to make a charge if Clark faltered - which he did.

What also faltered was Fleetwood's ability with the putter, again. The 35-year-old gained strokes on the field putting all week... until the final day. Losing -1.11 stokes on the greens on Sunday won't win you a Major Championship and it isn't the first time the flatstick has let Tommy down on the closing stretch.

This felt like an amazing opportunity for him and instead of the field beating him, it feels more so that he beat himself.

I still love his chances at Royal Birkdale next month but if he goes 2026 Majorless, I'm really starting to question whether Fleetwood will ever win one.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

YOU CAN HAVE WIDE FAIRWAYS AND STILL MAKE THE GOLF COURSE HARD

I loved the way Shinnecock Hills was set up this week. Wider fairways than we would traditionally expect at a US Open initially made me nervous that we would see low scoring, but when partnered with very penal rough and strategic pin placement it all came together perfectly.

The wind also played a huge part, effectively narrowing the fairways anyway, but when only a handful of players shoot under-par over four rounds you know that the course was absolutely bang on as a Major test.

Well done to Shinnecock Hills and the USGA!

TOM KIM IS BACK!

Tom Kim looked like a superstar in the making early in his career when winning three PGA Tour titles in the space of just over a year, but eight missed cuts and only one top-10 last season slowed that momentum.

He has been much more consistent this year, making 13 of 15 cuts, but his best finish of the year so far came at a tough US Open test.

He ranked in the top-20 for SG: Tee To Green, Around The Green and Putting, showcasing the brilliance of his game throughout the bag.

Mark my words - he wins on the PGA Tour before this season ends! Tom Kim is back.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

ROLLBACK

As I wrote last week when I questioned if the professional game needs a reset, every Major is highlighting the need for a serious rollback.

The build-up to the US Open was more about the setup and watering, or 'syringing', than the storylines of the actual event.

John Bodenhamer was getting more coverage than Scottie Scheffler's grand slam attempt. Why? Because golf fans are desperate to see the world's best tested - which is increasingly difficult when Bryson DeChambeau is able to hit drives 427 yards on 475 yard par 4s.

I set out a four-point plan, which was to introduce golf balls that spin more, significantly reduce driver heads and MOI, introducing a maximum tee height and reducing the number of clubs in the bag.

Watching Wyndham Clark bomb power fade after power fade was impressive but it wasn't exactly exciting, and was evidence that the game is very monotonous these days. The easiest way to combat that is by extreme course setups.

AN ENGLISHMAN FOR THE CLARET JUG?

There are currently three Englishmen in the world's top seven and five in the top 20.

We had five in the top-11 at Shinnecock Hills, so I am picking one to win the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale next month where they'll be on familiar links ground in front of huge, supportive crowds.

Whether it's Rose, Fitzpatrick, Fleetwood, Hatton, Rai, Hall or someone else, I think we might be on for a very special week.

What were your takeaways from the US Open? Join the conversation below...

'New York Didn't Really Like Me' - Wyndham Clark Reacts To Hostile Shinnecock Hills Crowd At US Open

Jakob Barnes — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:03:58 +0000

Wyndham Clark went wire-to-wire at Shinnecock Hills this week to land his second US Open title, but he did so without the support of his fellow Americans at Shinnecock Hills.

After his poor behavior at Oakmont last year, where he caused damage to the locker room, it's safe to say Clark had a lot of making up to do in the world of golf.

He's apologized plenty, and some would argue Clark is now simply misunderstood. Others haven't let the grudge go, and the crowd at Shinnecock let him know how they feel.

In particular during the final round on Sunday, it felt like the whole crowd wanted Clark to fail. Fans were removed for their antics, while the overall anti-Wyndham Clark agenda was disgraceful at times.

Clark doesn't seem to mind right now, though. Winning the Major championship obviously helps, and he wasn't afraid to address the situation when speaking immediately after his round on the course.

Explaining his win and how the atmosphere felt, Clark said: "It comes down to just believing good things are going to happen... it's been a grind these last two or three days and I haven't played the prettiest golf.

"New York didn't really like me. But I love you guys. And I get it. Some of it is deserved. I did some unfortunate things last year that I really regret and I've been sorry multiple times.

"Today is my day." A proud and emotional Wyndham Clark basks in his hard-earned triumph at Shinnecock Hills. pic.twitter.com/VH8dSgG9vMJune 21, 2026

"Hopefully I can win you guys over eventually. I get it, they were rooting for Scottie, Grand Slams don't happen often but he will get it. Today is my day."

In his press conference afterwards, Clark delved deeper into that hostility from the home crowd, adding: "Man, they definitely didn't want me to win. It's pretty rare in an Open Championship or a major to have fans boo against your shots or cheer for bad shots.

"That was tough, but sometimes being the underdog is nice... Anytime someone said something negative to me, I replaced it with something positive.

"I'm proud of myself that I battled through. Things really could have gotten away from me. I stood tough. I would have liked to have won by more, but as long as you win, it doesn't matter."

Reflecting on his triumph and how much it means in the grand scheme of things, Clark compared the first and second of his US Open wins and discussed how they came at very different stages of his life and career.

"The first one was kind of just the breakthrough of knowing I could do it," he said. "This one was more of a redemption. Last year was a tough, terrible year. I left [Oakmont] in shambles but it's amazing what a year can do. I'm leaving here as champion and I am so blessed."

The victory was always Clark's to lose, but he did have a couple of scary moments where it almost slipped away from him.

Asked about the biggest instances of adversity out there on Sunday, Clark replied: "I think the bogey on 5 was just horrendous. We were trying to hit the shot we wanted to into the green, which is laying short and run up. It just flew 10 yards too far and obviously put me in a bad spot. So that was very challenging.

"Then, to bogey 17 was definitely a little bit of a shock. I have to give credit to Dave [Pelekoudas]. He said, 'hey, we're right where we want to be. Yeah, it sucks that happened, but we have a one-shot lead going into 18. We'd take this on Wednesday night, we would have said we would have taken this.' And then we executed [the plan]."

How all 13 LIV Golfers Fared At The 2026 US Open

Mike Hall — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 22:52:54 +0000

A field of 156 began the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, and among them were 13 LIV Golfers.

They qualified via a variety of routes, including former champions, winners of other Majors, world ranking and the designated pathway to it from the circuit.

However, the number was severely reduced at the halfway stage when seven missed the cut, leaving just six with the chance to succeed JJ Spaun as champion.

Two LIV Golfers, Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton, finished tied for seventh.

Niemann, who qualified via the LIV Golf standings, would have finished top of the LIV Golfers outright but for receiving a two-stroke penalty for “serious misconduct” in the first round after he threw his club.

A four-under final round of 66 saw him finish on one over, but it could have been even better.

Hatton was in contention to beat Spaun to the title at Oakmont a year ago.

Tyrrell Hatton finished on one over (Image credit: Getty Images)

In the end, he fell short by four, and it was another relatively near miss for him 12 months later.

He finished his final round with a bogey at the 18th for a disappointing end to an overall solid tournament.

For Hatton, the wait for a maiden Major title continues, but his performance continued a general trend as one of the stronger performers from LIV Golf at the big events.

Five shots further back on six over and in a tie for 32nd was 2016 champion Dustin Johnson. Rounds of 66 and 77 ensured he made his fourth Major cut in a row, with rounds of 71 and 72 to complete his challenge.

Dustin Johnson couldn't replicate his win of 10 years ago (Image credit: Getty Images)

Laurie Canter was relatively consistent all week, with no real disasters but not enough in the way of birdies to trouble to the top of the leaderboard on his way to eight over for the tournament.

Peter Uihlein made the cut on the number at four over after the first two rounds, but a disastrous 10-over 80 on Saturday ended any hopes of contending before he recovered with a four-under 66 in the final round to finish on 10 over.

The last of the LIV Golfers to make the cut was Caleb Surratt, who only carded one sub-70 round all week – 69 in the third round – as he laboured to 13 over.

Three of the eight LIV Golfers who missed the cut are former US Open champions, with Bryson DeChambeau the most recent winner among them.

The Crushers GC captain, who beat Rory McIlroy at Pinehurst No.2 two years ago, fell one shot below the cutline to make it his third consecutive missed cut in Majors this year.

Bryson DeChambeau has yet to make a Major cut this season (Image credit: Getty Images)

Another player who would have had high hopes of lifting the trophy again was 2021 winner Jon Rahm.

He had been in better form in the Majors after a poor run following his move to LIV Golf. However, he followed an opening round of 68 with a disappointing 78 to miss the cut by two at six over.

Like Rahm, three more LIV Golfers missed the cut at six over. One was Carlos Ortiz, who placed T4 in 2025 to qualify as one of the top 10 and ties. However, rounds of 72 and 74 saw him bow out early.

Lucas Herbert also finished on six over to miss the US Open cut for the fourth time in five appearances.

Herbert’s Ripper GC teammate Cameron Smith, who missed six consecutive Major cuts before a T7 at the PGA Championship, slipped back to the previous trend as he, too, could only get to six over.

Cameron Smith has missed the cut in six of his last seven Major outings (Image credit: Getty Images)

In his third US Open, David Puig missed the cut for the first time after rounds of 77 and 72 left him on nine over.

That leaves the third former US Open champion, Graeme McDowell, who lifted the trophy in 2010.

He was making his first appearance since 2020 after getting through final qualifying, but he couldn't take advantage of his chance, with two rounds of 76 ensuring he finished on 12 over.

Final LIV Golf Leaderboard At The US Open

T7 +1 Joaquin Niemann
T7 +1 Tyrrell Hatton
T32 +6 Dustin Johnson
T43 +8 Laurie Canter
T56 +10 Peter Uihlein
T63 +13 Caleb Surratt
MC +5 Bryson DeChambeau
MC +6 Carlos Ortiz
MC +6 Jon Rahm
MC +6 Lucas Herbet
MC +6 Cameron Smith
MC +9 David Puig
MC +12 Graeme McDowell

Jackson Koivun Signs Off Amateur Career With US Open Gold Medal Alongside Ryder Cowan

Mike Hall — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 22:11:40 +0000

A thrilling finish from the University of Oklahoma's Ryder Cowan ensured he shares the US Open low amateur honors with Jackson Koivun, who turns professional on Monday.

The pair were among five amateurs to make the cut at Shinnecock Hills. After Koivun carded a two-under final round of 68, including a birdie at the 18th, to finish on five over, it was over to Cowan to determine the destination of the gold medal.

At that stage, Cowan, who began the day five clear of Koivun, still had plenty of golf to play.

Beginning his final round on two over, he slowly conceded ground to Koivun as he went on.

A birdie and three bogeys ensured he led the World No.1 amateur by one at the turn, and they were tied on five over with Cowan's fourth bogey of the day at the 11th.

At that stage, it seemed inevitable that Cowan would narrowly miss out to Koivun, which would have been a shame given the 21-year-old's superb week, which began with an opening round of 68 followed by two rounds of 72.

Another bogey at the 16th left Koivun out in front on his own, but like his opponent earlier on, Cowan wasn't finished.

He was calmness personified as he confidently rolled in his birdie putt at the par-3 17th to move back to five over alongside Koivun.

Ryder Cowan birdied the 17th on the way to finishing on five over (Image credit: Getty Images)

When Cowan made his par at the 18th, it ensured low amateur honors would be shared for the first time since Luis Gagne and Matt Parziale in 2018.

Of the other three amateurs to make the cut, teenage prodigy Miles Russell got the closest to Koivun and Cowan with his final round of 70 leaving him on seven over.

Further back, Marek Fleming finished on 10 over with Eric Lee on 13 over.

Miles Russell finished two back of Jackson Koivun and Ryder Cowan (Image credit: Getty Images)

Following his round, Koivun said: "Shinnecock was so much fun this weekend.

"Just happy to walk away with a birdie on the last hole, but golf course is so good, so much fun. A lot of thinking to do, and can definitely mentally wear you down. But just happy to be able to say I went out there and tried my hardest."

The former Auburn player also touched on what the future holds, admitting he's not sure if he technically needs to wait until midnight to call himself a pro.

He said: "Not sure, but yeah, that's a good way to go out. We're on to the next leagues now."

Asked how his mindset will change in the pro game, he said: "Not much. Just go out there and keep enjoying it, keep having fun."

With a share of low amateur honors confirmed, Cowan said: "It means a lot to me. It's Father's Day, and it means a lot to me that I have a lot of people up here watching and supporting me. That means the most to me.

"So it's definitely up there. I mean, it's a big accomplishment for me, but I'm just glad and happy and thankful that I have people out here supporting."

Final US Open Amateur Leaderboard

+5 Ryder Cowan (68-72-72)
+5 Jackson Koivun (72-71-74-68)
+7 Miles Russell (72-71-74-70)
+10 Marek Fleming (72-72-74-72)
+13 Eric Lee (74-70-78-71)
+4 CUT LINE
+7 Bryan Lee
+7 Giuseppe Puebla
+8 Mason Howell
+9 Preston Stout
+9 Jackson Herrington
+10 Brandon Holtz
+11 Mateo Pulcini
+11 Hamilton Coleman
+11 Ethan Fang
+11 Logan Reilly
+12 Vaughn Harber
+12 Chase Kyes
+16 Matthew Robles
+20 Jackson Ormond
+21 Arni Sveinsson

US Open Fans Removed Following Wyndham Clark 'Don't Choke' Jeers

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 21:52:07 +0000

Multiple spectators were reportedly thrown out of the 2026 US Open for heckling leader Wyndham Clark.

Clark is a divisive figure in the game after controversially breaking a locker at Oakmont following last year's tournament, and there were no prizes for guessing who the fans wanted to win on Sunday. Or at least, who they didn't.

Clark was faced with constant cries of "Get in the bunker" when hitting drives and approaches, while shots that ran off the green and even putts that missed were cheered.

Fans were also said to be shouting "Anyone but Wyndham" on-site at Shinnecock Hills during the final round as well as "Don't choke Wyndham!"

"I'm not having this New York crowd I'm really not," Dame Laura Davies said on the Sky Sports feed, who pointed to team sports being very different to individual pursuits.

Cops are booting people for shouting “Don’t choke Wyndham!” as he sets up to his shot. This young man got bounced for saying it before Clark’s tee shot at No. 4 pic.twitter.com/M1d1ZO687uJune 21, 2026

On NBC, Dan Hicks confirmed multiple spectators have been kicked out of Shinnecock today for crossing the line with jeers directed at Wyndham Clark, as many folks on the ground have been reporting today. https://t.co/Ea8ZSaiPQnJune 21, 2026

These are more ugly scenes in the Long Island area following the abuse Rory McIlroy and other Europeans received at last year's Ryder Cup.

"Look, I don't think we should ever accept that in golf," McIlroy said in Team Europe's winning Ryder Cup press conference.

"I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week.

"Golf has the ability to unite people. Golf teaches you very good life lessons. It teaches you etiquette. It teaches you how to play by the rules. It teaches you how to respect people.

"Sometimes this week we didn't see that. So no, this should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup."

It led to controversy surrounding the PGA of America's President Don Rea, who did not immediately apologize for the fans' actions before revealing he later emailed McIlroy and his wife, Erica.

Rea has since been removed from his position.

We await to hear Clark's thoughts on the crowd behavior post-round. He will certainly be asked about his reception, with many golf commentators speaking out against the fans' actions.

Here is what social media has been saying:

I’m not sure we’ll see an American player at the U.S. Open get treated the way Wyndham Clark is being treated right now ever again. This is actually uncomfortableJune 21, 2026

Loud cheers at No. 2 as Wyndham runs one over the green. Can’t remember hearing anything like this for an American at a U.S Open … ever? Obviously Sergio etc. always heard from the crowds, but an American Ryder Cupper in New York feels a little unprecedented.June 21, 2026

Between the terrible behavior during the 2025 Ryder Cup and now fans booing Wyndham Clark at Shinnecock Hills, it hasn’t been a great look for New York golf fans over the last year.June 21, 2026

The crowd reactions to Wyndham’s struggles are getting over the top. The entire grandstand erupted at his miss on 7June 21, 2026

I know Wyndham isn’t the most likable guy but it seems extreme how the crowd is treating him here. Barely any applause for a big par save and now a huge roar on a bad shot? It’s kinda hard to watch.June 21, 2026

How Much Wyndham Clark's Caddie Won At The 2026 US Open

jonny.leighfield@futurenet.com (Jonny Leighfield) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 20:07:22 +0000

Once again, the US Open prize money payout hit new heights, with those professional golfers who made it through to the weekend at Shinnecock Hills playing for a record $22.5 million.

Five amateurs also made the cut, but their status prevents them from picking up any prize money or even the $10,000 check from the USGA to help with expenses and the like.

Therefore, the 67 professionals who made it to the weekend split the cash proportionally, with the biggest slice of the pie - specifically $4.5 million - going to winner Wyndham Clark, who beat Sam Burns by one.

Yet, that isn't the figure Clark will gleefully watch drop into his account midway through next week. Far from it. The actual amount of take-home pay the US Open winner sees differs greatly from the headline figure.

Part of the reason is because of the percentage Clark shares with his caddie, Dave Pelekoudas.

Pro loopers are all paid a base amount - be it weekly, monthly or annually - and they pick up bonus checks based on a player's finish.

The first hurdle the player and his caddie must cross is making the cut. From there is where the money is made.

Once that happens, a golfer's finish determines exactly what percentage of their prize money they share with their assistant. Another factor that affects how much money is passed on relates to the particular agreement each pair made before striking up a working relationship.

It's pretty common for the winner to share 10% of their tournament prize money with their caddie as a bonus, while there's often between 7-8% passed on for simply making a cut.

Other players prefer to add on a 5% if they make the cut but finish poorly and then increase the bonus figure the higher up the leaderboard they end the week.

Assuming the above theory holds for Clark and Pelekoudas, a life-changing bonus of $450,000 will be heading the caddie's way.

Wyndham Clark beat Sam Burns at the US Open (Image credit: Getty Images)

And surely Clark will gladly hand it over knowing he was wonderfully assisted in tasting Major glory on a course that tested every ounce of his mental fortitude.

The aforementioned sums are likely to be identical to The Masters as well, which also offered up a $22.5 million prize pool.

Rory McIlroy clinched $4.5 million alongside his second Green Jacket meaning Harry Diamond could have picked up a bonus of almost half a million.

Watch The Emotional Father's Day Moment Miles Russell Subs In Dad As US Open Caddie

Jakob Barnes — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:01:10 +0000

Miles Russell had quite the debut at the US Open, and he capped it all off by walking the final hole with his father.

The 17-year-old is the no.1-ranked AJGA player and only qualified for the US Open last week, with Charlie Woods on his bag down in Florida.

Now, he's just completed an impressive four-day stint at Shinnecock Hills, and ended the whole thing in style.

Russell's regular caddie (and swing coach) Ramon Bescansa was back on bag duty this week at Shinnecock, helping the youngster through 71 holes.

However, for the 18th on Sunday, Russell drafted in his dad, Joe, to walk the fairway and carry his bag to complete the round.

🥹Miles Russell's father, Joe, took over as caddie for his son's final walk up 18.What a Father's Day gift! pic.twitter.com/7tfHKSrjyxJune 21, 2026

It was an emotional, very fitting end to a superb week for the amateur, especially on Father's Day of all days. It is thought Joe Russell had no idea the caddie switch was happening, and it was Miles who checked with a rules official to make sure his dad was allowed to join him.

Russell shot 70 on Sunday to finish up at seven-over for the week. As things stand, he's in T40 alongside the likes of Robert MacIntyre, Michael Kim, and Ryo Hisatsune.

He can already be proud of the fact that he's finished above the likes of Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup (both on +8), Jordan Spieth (+10), and Russell Henley (+14).

Typically speaking, the prize money at the US Open 2026 for finishing 40th would be $92,641. That will be diluted depending on how many ties there are, but sadly, Russell will not see a penny as amateurs cannot earn money at the US Open (or any competition for that matter).

Russell is heading off to Florida State University in 2027, where he will be joined by Charlie Woods. He won't win the US Open amateur gold medal this weekend, but he will walk away full of confidence and knowing that he has a very, very bright future in golf after mixing it up with the best of them at Shinnecock Hills.

US Open Playoff Format Explained: What Happens If There's A Tie

Jakob Barnes — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:25:00 +0000

Every golfer will be fighting to the last hole to be in contention for the US Open title at Shinnecock Hills, but there can only be one winner in the end.

With 18 holes remaining, Wyndham Clark held a six-stroke lead over his nearest rivals, but things can change in the blink of an eye in a Major championship. Especially one played as such a difficult test like Shinnecock.

So, if the chasing pack do indeed catch up with the 2023 winner, and the scores are level after 72 holes on Sunday, what will happen?

We actually haven't had a playoff at the US Open since way back in 2008, when Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate in an 18-hole playoff.

In fact, that particular decider went to 19 holes for a total of 91 gruelling holes completed for the week, but that's not how it works these days.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

US Open playoff format: how it works at Shinnecock Hills in 2026

Now, the US Open winner would be determined by a two-hole aggregate playoff. If the scores are level after two holes, a sudden death format would come into play.

At Shinnecock Hills for the 126th US Open this year, it will be holes 17 and 18 that are used for such a playoff.

Hole 17 is a 176-yard par-3 with a green that sits on a right-to-left angle and a bunker right down the center line. It's a deep green, too, and depending on the hole location we could see it play more like 185 yards.

Meanwhile, hole 18, aptly named Home, is a 490-yard par-4 with a complex green that undulates in all directions. Misread your putt on there, and you could find yourself rolling slowly off the green entirely.

Interestingly, the two-hole aggregate approach is different to the PGA Championship playoff format, for example, which uses a three-hole aggregate. The Masters goes straight to sudden death, while The Open Championship goes for a four-hole aggregate.

US Open Playoff History

(Image credit: Getty Images)

From 1939 to 2008, the 18-hole playoff format was utilized for the US Open, with golfers often having to play through to Monday to decide the winner.

Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate did just that in 2008, with Woods ultimately triumphing by one stroke after 19 holes at Torrey Pines, in spite of playing with a broken leg!

The only other playoff in the 21st century came in 2001 at Southern Hills Country Club. Retief Goosen won there with a round of 70 to beat Mark Brooks, who shot 72 in the extra 18 holes.

1994 saw a thrilling three-way tie between eventual champion Ernie Els, runner-up Loren Roberts, and Colin Montgomerie. While Montgomerie fell away with a 78 after 18, it took two more holes to separate Els and Roberts.

Many, many years before that, we saw Jack Nicklaus defeat Arnold Palmer in 1966 with the former winning by three strokes in the end. This was a real shift in the dynamic of golf, with Nicklaus going on to dominate from there onwards.

A few years later, in 1971, Nicklaus was trumped by Lee Trevino at Merion Golf Club. But, it wasn't just the golf that makes this a famous win, more the fact that Trevino threw a toy rubber snake at Nicklaus on the first tee.

It's worth noting that, between 1928 and 1931, a 36-hole format was in use at the US Open, but the USGA soon reverted to the 18-hole playoff before the rule changed to the current two-hole approach in 2018.

What Are The Largest Margins Of Victory At The US Open?

Mike Hall — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 17:50:17 +0000

For many golf fans, the US Open fits the definition of what a Major is supposed to represent more than the others.

Like The Masters, the PGA Championship and The Open, it has a long and proud history, while the world's best players compete in it each year. Winning a US Open is also career-defining, just like the other Majors.

There is one big factor that can sometimes separate the US Open from the other Majors, though: its difficulty.

While the 2026 PGA Championship offered an excellent example of another Major that tested players to the limit, it’s not always the case.

However, where the US Open is concerned, difficulty is a central part of its identity, with narrow fairways, thick rough and firm greens commonplace.

As a result, winning scores frequently finish only a few shots under par, if at all - although every so often, a player will master the conditions, the setup and the occasion in ways the rest of the field can’t.

So, what are the largest margins of victory at the US Open?

By some distance, the honor of the largest margin of victory belongs to Tiger Woods.

Woods arrived at the 2000 US Open with two Major titles to his name – the 1997 Masters and 1999 PGA Championship.

Of the two, Woods’ first Green Jacket offered the biggest indication of what was to come, when he swept to victory by nine over Costantino Rocca – but no one could have been prepared for what he produced at Pebble Beach.

Woods didn’t just claim a wire-to-wire victory, he beat the rest of the field so comprehensively that his 15-shot winning margin remains the largest of any Major in history.

Woods led Miguel Angel Jimenez by one at six under after the opening round. Despite difficult weather conditions, a 69 took him to eight under after 36 holes, leaving him six clear of Jimenez and Thomas Bjorn.

Woods' dominance coincided with a changing-of-the-guard moment the same day, where four-time US Open champion Jack Nicklaus bowed out of the tournament with a par at the 18th, bringing to an end his run of 44 consecutive appearances.

Tiger Woods won the US Open by a record 15 shots in 2000 (Image credit: Getty Images)

In the third round, Woods powered on. Despite battling strong winds and thick rough, he shot a 71 to keep him at eight under, with the lead 10 over Ernie Els.

At that stage, Woods’ victory seemed inevitable, and so it proved, with a 67 to get him to 12 under – the only player to finish under par – and an incredible 15 clear of Jimenez and Els on three over.

Woods didn’t just win his maiden US Open title in remarkable style, it was the start of what became known as the Tiger Slam, when he won all four Majors consecutively, concluding at the 2001 Masters.

At the 2000 US Open, Woods broke a record for the largest margin of victory that had stood for 101 years.

In 1899, Willie Smith won by 11 shots in just the fifth edition of the event. The Scot achieved it at Baltimore Country Club, beating compatriots Val Fitzjohn, George Low Sr and Englishman Bert Way.

Englishman James Barnes is the only other player who stands alone with a winning margin at the US Open. In 1921, he finished on nine over to beat American Walter Hagen and Scot Fred McLeod by nine at Columbia Country Club.

Two players, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer, have won the US Open by eight.

McIlroy was the first at Congressional in 2011. He led by three at six under after the first round, before a 66 in the second round saw him move to 11 under, six clear of YE Yang.

Rory McIlroy beat Jason Day by eight shots in 2011 (Image credit: Getty Images)

The lead over Yang was eight after 54 holes, when McIlroy carded a 68 to get to 14 under. A final round of 69 – McIlroy’s fourth sub-70 round of the week – meant he got to 16 under, eight clear of Jason Day.

It was only three more years until Kaymer matched McIlroy’s feat at Pinehurst No.2. A five under 65 set him on his way, with four players three back, before he extended his lead to six over Brendon Todd with another 65 in the second round.

Kaymer wobbled in the third round with a two-over 72, but his lead was still five over Erik Compton and Rickie Fowler.

Finally, his 69 to round off his tournament took him to nine-under, with Compton and Fowler the two closest, eight behind. They were the only three players to finish under par.

Three players have won a US Open by seven. The first was Fred Herd in 1898. Alex Smith followed in 1906, before Tony Jacklin did the same in 1970.

Bryson DeChambeau won the US Open by six in 2020 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Four have won the tournament by six. Laurie Auchterlonie did it first in 1920. Ralph Guldahl matched that achievement in 1938 before Ben Hogan also won by six in 1953.

Bryson DeChambeau was the most recent player to win by six, when he finished six under for the tournament with Matthew Wolff his nearest challenger in 2020 at Winged Foot.

Largest Margins Of Victory At The US Open

Tiger Woods: 15 strokes (2000)
Willie Smith: 11 strokes (1899)
James Barnes: 9 strokes (1921)
Martin Kaymer: 8 strokes (2014)
Rory McIlroy: 8 strokes (2011)
Tony Jacklin: 7 strokes (1970)
Alex Smith: 7 strokes (1906)
Fred Herd: 7 strokes (1898)
Bryson DeChambeau: 6 strokes (2020)
Ben Hogan: 6 strokes (1953)
Ralph Guldalph: 6 strokes (1938)
Laurie Auchterlonie: 6 strokes (1902)

How The USGA Is Honoring Corey Pavin In The 2026 US Open Final Round

Jakob Barnes — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 17:23:55 +0000

This Sunday, the winner of the 126th US Open will be crowned, with Wyndham Clark looking likely to land the title for the second time.

However, every player sinking a putt on the 18th hole at Shinnecock Hills will be close to a piece of history - specifically, Corey Pavin's incredible victory there in 1995.

The USGA has made a special gesture this year to commemorate that win, with a unique cup being used on the 18th green during the final round of this year's US Open.

In a social media clip shared by the official US Open account, greenkeepers working at Shinnecock were shown installing the cup for Sunday's play, which features a touching tribute to Pavin's crowning achievement.

The base of the cup has a silhouette of Pavin's celebration from that day back in 1995, arms aloft, after beating Greg Norman to lift the US Open trophy.

The cup also has an inscription with the iconic quote, "The shot of his life," which was uttered by commentator Johnny Miller during the coverage of the event at the time.

A post shared by U.S. Open Championship (@usopengolf)
A photo posted by on

Pavin was told about the gesture during an appearance on NBC's broadcast of the US Open on Saturday, with anchor Mike Tirico sharing the good news.

Delighted with the tribute, Pavin, holding the cup, said: "No way. What an honor." He then asked if he could keep the cup after play finished on Sunday, and Tirico promised he would do his best to make that happen.

If you're not familiar with Pavin's Major championship victory, the American defeated Australian legend Greg Norman by a two-stroke margin, finishing on even par over the four days.

Pavin had gone into the final day three strokes behind Norman and Tom Lehman, but turned things around and was one stroke ahead with the last hole to play.

That win was secured with a stunning 4-wood strike on Shinnecock's 18th hole, sending the ball to within just a few feet of the cup from 228 yards out.

Pavin recently rewatched the footage of that legendary shot, and said: "I see a relaxed person standing there [over the ball]. There's not a lot of tension in that swing... it's always fun to watch it. That does not get old."

US Open 2026: Wyndham Clark Holds Firm To Land Second Major Championship By One Stroke

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:52:46 +0000

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The US Open is over for another year, and Wyndham Clark has claimed his second Major title on an intense and challenging final day at Shinnecock Hills.

The 2023 champion took a six-stroke lead into Sunday but with Scottie Scheffler for company in the final group, Sam Burns playing some incredible golf, and the crowd against him, Clark had to stay strong in very tough circumstances.

His lead was cut to just one stroke heading down the final stretch, but an immense birdie on 16 will stand out as the moment he put things beyond doubt. Even a hiccup on 17 couldn't spoil the party, and Clark will now take home the $4.5m prize purse from the US Open. He also becomes the ninth true wire-to-wire winner of the US Open, leading after all four rounds this week, and the first since Martin Kaymer at Pinehurst No.2 in 2014.

Burns can be proud of his efforts in pushing Clark to the wire, while Tom Kim claimed solo third on his birthday with a final score of one-under over the week. Scheffler could only shoot 71 today to land in a tie for fourth on his birthday. This was his first chance to land the Career Grand Slam and he came up short, but there's still plenty of time for that, we're sure.

Meanwhile, we saw Keith Mitchell become the first golfer ever to shoot even par on each of the four days of a US Open to land a T4 finish. Tyrrell Hatton and Joaquin Niemann had fantastic final rounds and landed in T7 at one-over to fly the flag for LIV Golf. Xander Schauffele shot two-over on Sunday, but he still managed to finish T11 and become only the fourth golfer to record ten or more top 15 finishes at the US Open.

As for the amateurs, an impressive showing from both Jackson Koivun and Ryder Cowan sees them share the gold medal with a final score of five-over par. It was a great weekend for Miles Russell, too, with his dad walking him down the final fairway as his substitute caddie in an emotional moment.

Here's a look at the key placings on the final leaderboard, and the amateur scores, too...

US Open leaderboard 2026

-4 Wyndham Clark (73)
-3 Sam Burns (67)
-1 Tom Kim (70)
E Keith Mitchell (70)
E Scottie Scheffler (71)
E JT Poston (67)
+1 Sam Stevens (72)
+1 Tyrrell Hatton (67)
+1 Gary Woodland (68)
+1 Joaquin Niemann (66)
+2 Tommy Fleetwood (71)
+2 Sahith Theegala (73)
+2 John Parry (69)
+2 Aaron Rai (69)
+2 Xander Schauffele (72)
+2 Justin Rose (69)
+3 Ludvig Aberg (66)
+3 Collin Morikawa (72)
+3 Ben Griffin (69)
+3 Justin Thomas (69)
+3 Akshay Bhatia (70)

US Open Amateur Leaderboard

+5 Ryder Cowan (68)
+5 Jackson Koivun (68)
+7 Miles Russell (70)
+10 Marek Fleming (72)
+13 Eric Lee (71)

View full US Open leaderboard

US Open Useful Links

HELLO AND WELCOME

Hello and welcome to Golf Monthly's coverage of the 2026 US Open final round. Stay tuned all evening where we'll keep you updated with the latest scores, highlights and our commentary.

Wyndham Clark has a big six-stroke lead but I have a feeling Scottie Scheffler will be able to close it...we shall see.

The final pairing go off at 2.30pm local time.

HOW ARE THINGS LOOKING TODAY?

We are expecting a firm and fast Shinnecock Hills that will play the toughest of the week. So far, though, scoring is fairly low with multiple players under-par.

You have to feel it will firm up and dry out as the day goes on and provide a stern test.

KOIVUN MAKING GOOD PROGRESS

World No.1 amateur Jackson Koivun is two-under-par thru 13 holes and is now within just three strokes of amateur leader Ryder Cowan.

Cowan is yet to tee off in what will be one of the most pressure-filled rounds of his career as he looks to secure the gold medal.

TYRRELL HATTON CHIP-IN

The Englishman makes an eagle 3 at the par 5 5th hole to move up to +3, which incredibly is T17th.

An eagle will put a smile on anybody's face 😀Tyrrell Hatton with a double circle at No. 5. pic.twitter.com/OWSZMxX4X0June 21, 2026

WHERE DID ALL THE FANS GO YESTERDAY?

If you haven't read my piece yet, take a look below as Wyndham Clark acknowledged he was disappointed by a fairly subdued atmosphere on Saturday evening.

INCREDIBLE STAT

This makes for great reading for Wyndham Clark. Not so much for Greg Norman...

Twenty-one players have had a 6+ shot lead entering the final round of a major championship. Twenty went on to win. The exception is Greg Norman at the 1996 Masters (shot 78 in the final round and lost to Nick Faldo by five strokes).

- Stat via Elias Sports Bureau

UPCOMING FINAL ROUND TEE TIMES

Here's a reminder of the later tee times coming up this afternoon:

1.08pm: Ryder Cowan (a), Alex Fitzpatrick
1.19pm: Corey Conners, Keegan Bradley
1.35pm: Matt Fitzpatrick, Collin Morikawa
1.46pm: Tommy Fleetwood, Xander Schauffele
1.57pm: Sam Burns, Keith Mitchell
2.08pm: Emiliano Grillo, Sam Stevens
2.19pm: Tom Kim, Sahith Theegala
2.30pm: Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark

WHERE IS THE US OPEN HEADING IN THE FUTURE?

I still find it incredible to think we don't know where the 2029 Open will be, but we do know the 2051 US Open venue.

Some cracking courses on this list...what a rota.

US Open future sites
Year	Course	US State
2027	Pebble Beach Golf Links	California
2028	Winged Foot	New York
2029	Pinehurst Resort & CC (No.2)	North Carolina
2030	Merion	Pennsylvania
2031	Riviera Country Club	California
2032	Pebble Beach Golf Links	California
2033	Oakmont Country Club	Pennsylvania
2034	Oakland Hills Country Club (South Course)	Michigan
2035	Pinehurst Resort & CC (No.2)	North Carolina
2036	Shinnecock Hills	New York
2037	Pebble Beach Golf Links	California
2038	The Country Club	Massachusetts
2039	The Los Angeles Country Club	California
2040	Merion	Pennsylvania
2041	Pinehurst Resort & CC (No.2)	North Carolina
2042	Oakmont Country Club	Pennsylvania
2043	TBD	TBD
2044	Pebble Beach Golf Links	California
2045	Inverness Club	Ohio
2046	TBD	TBD
2047	Pinehurst Resort & CC (No.2)	North Carolina
2048	TBD	TBD
2049	Oakmont Country Club	Pennsylvania
2050	Merion	Pennsylvania
2051	Oakland Hills Country Club (South Course)	Michigan

WHO IS GOING TO WIN THE 2026 US OPEN?

I just asked the Golf Monthly team for their US Open winner and winning score.

Here's what we said...

Jonny Leighfield: Wyndham Clark -8
Matt Cradock: Wyndham Clark -4
Mike Hall: Wyndham Clark -10
Jakob Barnes: Wyndham Clark -8
Elliott Heath (me): Wyndham Clark -5

MILES RUSSELL WITH A BEAUTY INTO 15

AJGA no.1 and 17-year-old sensation Miles Russell has just birdied 15 to get back to level-par for the day and +7 for the tournament, which currently has him T45th. Just incredible.

He is not going to win the low amateur honors this year, but he will in the next four years.

Russell heads to FSU next year alongside close friend Charlie Woods, and he is surely going to be an absolute force.

Just clip it!17-year-old Miles Russell with a beautiful approach at 15. pic.twitter.com/gcwWjYxcuFJune 21, 2026

MORE MILES RUSSELL

Sorry for more Miles Russell, but it has got me thinking.

How high is the standard in US college golf right now? The boy tied for 45th in the US Open isn't even joining for another year!

Russell, 17, is currently beating World No.3 Cameron Young by three strokes.

He's also beating Chris Gotterup, Jordan Spieth, Bud Cauley, Russell Henley and Hideki Matsuyama. And he beat the likes of Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Viktor Hovland over two days as they all missed the cut.

Seriously good.

AMATEUR LEADERBOARD

Ryder Cowan currently has a four stroke lead over Jackson Koivun, here's how it looks.

(How many holes completed or final round score)

+2 Ryder Cowan (1)
+6 Jackson Koivun (15)
+7 Miles Russell (15)
+10 Marek Fleming (74)
+13 Eric Lee (71)

FRANK, WE SALUTE YOU

Thank you to the hard-working volunteers and greenkeepers that allow us to play and watch the sport we all love so dearly. Without them it would not be possible.

This is Frank. He is one of the 200+ unsung heroes volunteering to help with agronomy this week @USOpenGolf. Today alone Frank will fill over 1,000 divots around Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. He woke up this morning at 2 a.m. to begin his 4 a.m. shift. People from all… pic.twitter.com/pTytugWCfdJune 20, 2026

MILES RUSSELL JUST MADE ANOTHER BIRDIE

See below posts for my Miles Russell love.

The 17-year-old has just fizzed a pitch shot to mere inches on the par 5 16th to make birdie and get to one-under-par for his round.

He is now up to T39th...which puts him level with Rory McIlroy.

The kid is putting on quite the wedge display!Another one in tight for Miles Russell. pic.twitter.com/60iZYNSEYUJune 21, 2026

COULD SCHEFFLER ACTUALLY WIN THE US OPEN?

I know Wyndham Clark is almost certainly going to win today...but he might not.

What gets me thinking is the 2022 Tour Championship, when Scottie Scheffler lost a six-stroke lead to Rory McIlroy in the final round. He knows a six-stroke margin is not safe.

I also think Wyndham Clark cannot keep holing every putt he looks at inside 10ft. He missed a lot of greens yesterday and his short game continually got him out of jail.

If he gets off to a slow start and drops two or three strokes on the front nine, Scheffler could find himself very close come the last three or four holes.

I'm not saying it's likely, but this US Open certainly isn't over.

WYNDHAM CLARK ON THE PUTTING GREEN

(Image credit: Getty Images)

That Ping Scottsdale TEC has worked wonders the last six weeks. Can it stay hot today under the most intense pressure?

Here's a look at this stats this week:

Strokes Gained off the tee: 11th
SG approach: 6th
SG short game: 3rd
SG putting: 2nd

NIEMANN ON THE MOVE

The eight-time LIV Golf winner is four-under for the day and up to T10th now...with an 11 on his scorecard (from day one)!

Had he not thrown his club and received a two-stroke penalty for breaching the code of conduct, he would be in T2nd.

You know who likes Sundays in the Hamptons? Joaquin Niemann! pic.twitter.com/yC1YJYuV8vJune 21, 2026

SCHAUFFELE UNDERWAY

Xander Schauffele (+1) finds the 1st fairway with an iron. The two-time Major winner was highly tipped by myself and the Golf Monthly Tour Issue guys earlier this week, and he still isn't out of this.

He'll need help from Wyndham Clark and an all-time round but don't count him out.

JACKSON KOIVUN HITS A STUNNER INTO 18

The World No.1 amateur's approach into the last is an absolute beauty and he will have inside 8ft for birdie to post five-over-par.

Ryder Cowan is sitting at three-over but he still has 15 holes to play. I think Koivun wins the low-am if he holes that. He might win it either way.

CLASSY TOUCH

Miles Russell's father subs in as caddie on the 18th hole to walk up the 72nd hole with his son on Father's Day. Fantastic.

🥹Miles Russell's father, Joe, took over as caddie for his son's final walk up 18.What a Father's Day gift! pic.twitter.com/7tfHKSrjyxJune 21, 2026

KOIVUN BIRDIES 18 - ENDS AMATEUR CAREER

The World No.1 amateur holes his birdie putt from 8ft down the hill at 18 to close with a 68.

He posts five-over-par and is now just two behind Ryder Cowan, who has 15 holes remaining.

That was Koivun's final competitive stroke as an amateur before turning pro...you have to feel it was the putt that wins him the low amateur medal.

If he doesn't win it, you have to salute Ryder Cowan because he will have seriously earned it.

JUST THREE GROUPS REMAINING IN THE 2026 US OPEN

2.08pm: Emiliano Grillo, Sam Stevens
2.19pm: Tom Kim, Sahith Theegala
2.30pm: Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark

FINAL PAIRING LESS THAN 30 MINUTES AWAY

We're now less than 30 minutes from the final pairing of Scottie Scheffler and Wyndham Clark teeing it up.

A couple of years ago, it looked like these two could slug it out for dominance. Scheffler ended up doing that more or less on his own as Clark's form dipped, but he's back to his best this year. The start from both will surely be important setting the tone.

BIRDIES FOR CHASERS

A lovely birdie for Tommy Fleetwood at the second from distance gets him back to even. Still seven back of Clark, but you never know...

Soon after, Sam Burns birdies the first to get to -1.

Tommy!A birdie on the most difficult hole on the course to get to E. pic.twitter.com/DVuRawWSpbJune 21, 2026

ROUGH START FOR RORY

We knew at the start of the day, but it's even more clear it's not going to be Rory McIlroy's year for another US Open title. He's now +6 following three bogeys in his first five. Back to the drawing board ahead of next month's Open at Royal Birkdale.

LUDVIG ABERG GOES LOW

There's been some encouragement for Ludvig Aberg today. He saved his best until last with a four-under 66 to get to +3 for the tournament. The maiden Major title still eludes him, but once he puts it all together, he'll be a real force.

BACK-TO-BACK BIRDIES FOR FLEETWOOD

Sam Burns comes desperately close to a birdie-birdie start, but it's not to be. At the third, Tommy Fleetwood can also make it back-to-back birdies to get to -1. He makes it!

KOIVUN'S LAST ACT AS AN AMATEUR

The men's game's top amateur, Jackson Koivun, finished with a birdie to get to +5. That might yet be enough to secure low amateur honors, although Ryder Cowan, on +2 and still playing, may have a say in that.

But it will be Koivun's last act as an amateur. Here's what he said after his final round: "That's a good way to go out. We're on to the next leagues now."

Asked about what would change for the next stage of his career, he said: "Not much. Just go out there and keep enjoying it, keep having fun."

THE FINAL PAIRING

The final pairing begin. Scottie Scheffler, looking to complete the career Grand Slam, confidently finds the middle of the fairway.

Clark, leading by six and after his second US Open title, is just in the fairway with his tee shot.

SAM BURNS IN SOLO SECOND

Sam Burns gets to within five with his second birdie at the third. He's in second.

Geaux tiger!Sam Burns. Another birdie. Solo 2nd. pic.twitter.com/pZaHjAzh7DJune 21, 2026

TROUBLE FOR SCOTTIE

With his approach, Scheffler finds the green, initially. It then continues over the back of the green and rolls miles down the slope into some rough.

Clark will be happy enough though. His stays put to leave look at a birdie.

EARLY WOBBLE FOR SCHEFFLER

Scheffler's third is excellent, stopping a few feet from the hole to leave a realistic chance of saving par.

First, Clark eyes his chance of an opening-hole birdie. It grazes the edge.

OK, Scheffler for par. It goes right and that's not the start he was looking for. It's a bogey.

BIG MOMENTS AT THE SECOND

Of course, you can never write Scottie Scheffler off. As if to prove it, his tee shot at the par-3 second finds the green to leave a birdie chance. Clark, meanwhile, goes way left off the tee to leave him in trouble.

Scheffler is currently seven behind Clark, while Clark is five in front of Sam Burns. The next few minutes could be very interesting indeed...

POSTON ON A ROLL

Winner of the Memorial Tournament JT Poston is having quite the afternoon. After bogeying the second, he's now made four birdies in his last five to put him -4 for the day at the turn. He's now in among a group of players locked on even par in T4.

LEADER IN TROUBLE, SCHEFFLER PAR

Wyndham Clark's second at 2 rolls off the green, but he gets free relief from a sprinkler head. Can he make his par here, though? It looks like a tall order. With his putter, he doesn't make it and that'll be a bogey at best.

Scheffler almost makes his birdie putt, but not quite and that's a par. Now back to Clark. He has three feet for bogey. It isn't perfect, but it goes in and that's his bogey.

CLARK RESETS

Following the little stumble on the second and that earlier double cross off the tee, Wyndham Clark produces a wonderful baby fade to bomb one down the centre of the third and he's back on a steady footing.

BURNS ON FIRE

Sam Burns finds another birdie at the fifth! A wonderful putter, Burns relies on the flat stick once more to pile more pressure on the leader. The gap is down to three!

Elsewhere, Keith Mitchell curls a lovely putt home on the fourth to reach one-under. He's in a tie for third now.

THE LEAD IS 3! 👀Sam Burns is on the hunt. pic.twitter.com/nQL5j0rXXZJune 21, 2026

WIND PICKING UP

It's a little tougher out there than an hour or so ago. Clark's approach into the third heads in low and rolls up and around to the right, finishing well past the flag despite bouncing right at the front. The wind kicked it on, and Clark's ball is possibly lucky not to carry on into the bunker - which is where Scheffler finds himself.

LEAD REMAINS AT THREE

Clark's putt is a good one from 25 feet, but it just falls to the low side and he taps in for par.

The same score but a much different length of putt, Scheffler rallies to remain at even par thanks to a 12-foot save which is met with a hearty roar from the spectators. Excellent.

DUCK FOR COVER

Watch out at Shinnecock Hills! Sahith Theegala's ball was entrenched in the thick stuff down the left of the fourth and he hacked his ball out down the fairway. However, upon making contact, another ball flew out at the same time and his club slipped out of his hands before flying over the heads over nearby fans to the left. That was extraordinary!

That was wild!Sahith Theegala's club goes flying... and he discovers another golf ball buried under his lie. pic.twitter.com/HTNRjBWDjDJune 21, 2026

DOUBLE FOR THEEGALA

That earlier gaff was partially responsible for a six from Theegala at the fourth. He's gone from one under to one over in the blink of an eye.

FORE RIGHT

Clark has 175 to the pin from one of the right fairway bunkers, but he cuts across it and a bounce off a cart path sends it even farther away from target. Clark hates it. Rightfully so.

Meanwhile, Scheffler lands his approach at the front of the putting surface. No such issues from the World No.1.

THUMBS DOWN

Morikawa tries to make par at the eighth, but his topsy-turvy day continues with a tame effort from fairly close range. The American gives the green, or maybe his ball, a sarcastic thumbs up in response. One-over for Morikawa.

GOOD BREAK

Clark's lie is good on the fourth because the fans had been walking in that area for seven days previously. Can he take advantage and get up and down from a rough spot?

CHANCE FOR PAR

Clark clips a lovely wedge shot into the heart of the green and he'll have 12-15 feet or so for par. It's a bit farther out than he'd have liked, but it's a chance nonetheless.

Ahead, Burns sends his tee shot at the par-3 7th onto the left side of the green but it tails off into the bunker. From there, Fleetwood has just made bogey to drop into a share of fourth on even par.

POSTON INTO THIRD

What a putt from JT Poston at the 12th. The Postman drills one home from just off the putting surface and he's now suddenly into a share of third.

📫J.T. Poston has surged into a tie for 3rd after his 6th birdie of the day! pic.twitter.com/Z46Wn6jgxCJune 21, 2026

CLUTCH

Wyndham Clarks makes no mistake! That was some serious bottle from the leader. The crowd's reaction was telling, though, there were more groans than cheers from those following. It doesn't feel like Clark is all too well supported at Shinnecock Hills.

He did it again!Wyndham Clark with another spectacular par save to remain 3 clear. pic.twitter.com/K8mS1aZ69xJune 21, 2026

GRILLO JOINS THE PARTY

Emiliano Grillo is back with a bang at the sixth, whipping in a bending birdie putt from 15-20 feet to reach one-under.

Elsewhere, Schauffele makes a clumsy bogey from short range and falls back to one-over.

Plenty of chasers.Emiliano Grillo now into red figures and T-3. pic.twitter.com/qNtmeOdJYwJune 21, 2026

MORE MISTAKES

Such is the strength of the wind, Clark takes a short iron into the 600-yard par-5 5th with his second, but it still runs through the green and down the slope over the back. The crowd cheers as the ball runs down the slope and into the rough. Not sure I'm a huge fan of that reaction.

BURNS WITHIN TWO

Well now! Sam Burns holes an absolute monster at the eighth to reach four-under and move within two. He's four-under for the day when most others are struggling for pars. Incredible golf.

From way downtown... BANG! 💥Sam Burns from 49 feet! Now 2 back. pic.twitter.com/AxdleysJSsJune 21, 2026

BIG PROBLEMS

Clark tries to bump his ball into the steep bank at the fifth but doesn't get anywhere near enough of it and it falls back down towards him.

Trying the same technique but with an 8-iron, Clark picks it too clean and will now have a 20-footer for par on the five-shot hole. He's giving Sam Burns real hope here. Real hope.

Wyndham doesn't reach the green. Ball rolls back down the hill. pic.twitter.com/rDW7Mwp3OJJune 21, 2026

SCHEFFLER BIRDIE

The eagle try doesn't drop for Scheffler, but that's a tap-in birdie on the par-5 to push him up to one-under. The chasers must now really believe they're in this.

LEAD DOWN TO ONE

Can you believe it? Clark just misses with his par effort and the lead is now just one following five holes.

Bogey for Wyndham Clark at 5.The lead is one. pic.twitter.com/4V2vHpskXrJune 21, 2026

FIRST SIGN OF NERVES?

Sam Burns' approach into the ninth comes up surprisingly short and he will have a horrible up-and-down test from the fescue, below the putting surface. Are the nerves finally starting to show for Burns?

BURNS BOGEY

Just as Burns appeared to be breathing down Clark's neck, he makes an error at the ninth and the lead is back out to two strokes.

ANOTHER HUGE SAVE FOR THE LEADER

That was a big putt at the par 4 sixth, especially as Clark left himself 10-foot for par following a poor chip.

The leader is five-under and, with the putter, it rolls into the center of the cup and he remains at that score.

Excellent from Clark.

MORE MISTAKES

The par 3 seventh has caused some problems today, with Scheffler and Clark falling victim to the tee shot.

Following his par at the sixth, Scheffler flights his approach into the bunker short of the flag, with Clark following him minutes later.

Sam Burns made an up-and-down from there earlier, and the Major winning pair in the final group will need to do the same.

SCRAPPY SCOTTIE

You don't see that very often...

From the bunker, Scheffler doesn't put enough power into his shot and it hits the banks and rolls back into the sand.

Playing his third, the World No.1 then nearly does the same thing again, but his ball comes to rest on the green, leaving eight-feet for bogey.

EXCELLENT FROM WYNDHAM

After watching Scheffler, Clark steps up and plays a delightful shot from the sand that leaves him four-foot for par.

MOVES IN THE PACK

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Some good golf being played among the chasing pack, with Kim birdieing the eighth hole to move to one-under.

Poston, meanwhile, puts it close at the 15th and he'll have a putt to move to two-under.

Mitchell, meanwhile, puts in a good approach to the 11th and he will have that to get to one-under.

HUGE MISS FOR THE LEADER

Scheffler does well to make a bogey following his problems in the sand, with Clark set to clear up after a good bunker shot.

The leader, though, misses from four-foot and drops a shot! He moves back to four-under and is three-over for the round...

OH WYNDHAM

Clark and Scheffler both bogey the par-3 7th after finding the bunker off the tee.Clark: -4Burns: -3Poston: -1Kim: -1 pic.twitter.com/xYfNdGcGtQJune 21, 2026

MISS AND MAKE

Poston can't convert his birdie attempt from a few feet and he remains one-under through 15 holes.

Mitchell, meanwhile, learns a lot from Burns' missed birdie putt and he converts to get to one-under.

LOGJAM AT +1

As of writing, eight players are one-over-par, including Joaquin Niemann, Tyrrell Hatton, Gary Woodland, Collin Morikawa and Tommy Fleetwood.

Can one of these names break out from the big logjam?

MAGIC MITCHELL

Keith Mitchell wipes out his bogey on 10 with an immediate bounceback 🐥 on 11.Now five players under par. pic.twitter.com/PBGIzjOPRsJune 21, 2026

PARS AT THE EIGHTH

Both Scheffler and Clark find the green, with both men safely two putting to remain level-par and four-under through eight holes.

STEVENS BATTLING AWAY

(Image credit: Getty Images)

He's been quite quiet today, but Sam Stevens is battling away, with the American birdieing the ninth and 10th to jump to level-par alongside Scheffler.

MCILROY FINISHES HIS CHAMPIONSHIP

McIlroy cards back-to-back 73s on Saturday and Sunday to end the US Open six-over-par.

BURNS REMAINING STRONG

It's an easy par for Burns at the 12th, who remains three-under and one back of Clark.

Speaking of Clark, he finds the rough with his tee shot at the ninth and his second comes up well short. It could be a tough up-and-down coming up for the leader.

SHOT SCOTTIE

That's more like it Scheffler!

Playing the ninth, the World No.1 hits a great iron shot into the heart of the green and leaves himself 15-foot for birdie.

UNREAL FROM CLARK

From a poor lie, Clark plays a stunning flop shot that lands on the green and nearly rolls in for an unlikely birdie.

That was high class from the leader, who taps in and stays four-under, one clear of Burns.

WEAK EFFORT FROM SCHEFFLER

He left a putt short at the eighth and, at the ninth, his birdie attempt is weak and comes up well short of the hole.

Strangely, he didn't use his claw-putting grip then, opting instead for a conventional one.

YOUR LEADER GOING INTO THE BACK NINE

(Image credit: Getty Images)

BIG SAVE FROM BURNS

Following a mistake with the second shot, which came up well short at the 13th, Burns produces an excellent up-and-down and stays three-under-par.

HOW GOOD IS THIS?

THISCLOSE to a birdie pitch for Wyndham Clark on 9.Tap in par to remain 1 ahead. pic.twitter.com/X09dH6qtfpJune 21, 2026

THREE PLAYERS UNDER-PAR

Just three players have finished under-par at Shinnecock Hills in a US Open and, with the back nine to go, three players are under-par right now in this championship.

Clark is four-under, Burns is three-under and Mitchell is one-under. A total of four players are level-par.

DROPPED SHOT FOR STEVENS

Back-to-back birdies at the ninth and 10th have been followed by a bogey at the 12th and Stevens drops to one-over-par.

SO GOOD FROM THE LEADER

Clark is six-under on the back nine this week and, at the 10th following an excellent drive, Clark puts his wedge to just a few feet. He'll have that to move two clear of Burns.

BIRDIE BIRDIE

Kim birdies the 11th and moves to one-under for the championship, while Scheffler birdies the 10th to also move to the same score.

The duo are briefly within three of Clark, but he converts his birdie putt following an excellent approach shot. The leader moves to five-under and two clear of Burns.

BIRDIES AT THE 10TH

SO GOOD FROM CLARK

Backspin for the win.One of the best shots we've seen at 10 the entire week. pic.twitter.com/dSEVE3po67June 21, 2026

BRAVE TEE SHOTS

This back nine is warming up nicely, with Scheffler playing an aggressive shot at the par 3 11th that runs past the flag and finishes 15-feet away.

Clark, meanwhile, follows his playing partner, producing an even better approach that whizzes past the flag and stops 12-feet from the hole.

He'll get a good read from Scheffler.

GREAT ROUND FROM POSTON

Poston finishes with a par and that's a three-under final round of 67.

He finishes level-par for the championship and is currently solo sixth. His playing partner, John Parry, bogeys the final hole for a one-under 69 and he is, currently, just outside the top 10.

NEAR MISS FOR BURNS

Burns has a good look at birdie on the 14th, but his attempt just stays up and he remains three-under.

PARS AT THE 11TH

Scheffler misses his birdie putt on the low-side at the 11th, with his attempt giving Clark an idea of what it will do.

Stood over the ball, the leader hits it on a good line, but it's also low and he makes par.

The crowd are definitely on the side of Scheffler, with Clark getting barely any cheers when he finishes out.

LIV GOLF UPDATE

Joaquin Niemann and Tyrrell Hatton fire rounds of 66 and 67 to sit one-over-par and in a share of seventh.

They are the best performing LIV players this week, with Dustin Johnson the next best performer at six-over-par. He fired a two-over round today and is T32nd.

SCOTTIE ISN'T GIVING UP

The Career Grand Slam is on the line for Scheffler, and he isn't giving in right now.

Playing the 12th, he finds the fairway and plays a great approach to 12-foot. He'll have another look for birdie to get to two-under.

IMPRESSIVE FROM CLARK

Finding the juicy rough, Clark smashes a wedge and plays a delightful shot that, crucially, finishes just inside Scheffler's putt.

He will get yet another great read from his playing partner, with both men leaving excellent birdie chances.

OH BURNS...

He had a birdie putt at the 15th but rams it by, with Burns unable to make the one coming back.

That's a scrappy bogey for the American, who moves back to two-under and could be trailing by four in a second.

PARS AT THE 12TH

Scheffler narrowly misses his birdie putt at the 12th and gives Clark an excellent read in the process.

Stepping up, the leader plays his birdie attempt with more break, but it stays high and it's a simple par for Clark.

He leads Burns by three.

GO ON FITZY

Fitzpatrick (the younger) finishes with a flourish! pic.twitter.com/dhKJMHmSzNJune 21, 2026

AMATEUR RACE

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Along with the main event, there's also the matter of the low amateur honors, with Jackson Koivun and Ryder Cowan sharing the spoils.

The young duo end their championship five-over-par, with the pair both finishing as the top amateur.

SCOTTIE MISSES GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY

Another birdie chance goes begging for Scottie Scheffler as the ball sways left then right and narrowly misses the cup. Is that the end of his pursuit this year?

It went left... then it went right.Scottie misses the two-way breaker for birdie at 13. pic.twitter.com/LoR35IScIgJune 21, 2026

THE LEADER DROPS ONE

Wyndham Clark has been impeccable at saving par this weekend, but this one doesn't fall for him. That's him back to -4 and it's just a two-stroke lead now.

Wyndham Clark unable to get up-and-down and save par from off the green.It's a dropped shot at 13. Now -4 and leading by 2. pic.twitter.com/T7WN4oE46hJune 21, 2026

BURNS CLOSES THE GAP

A stunning put from Sam Burns to register a birdie on 16 and he closes the gap to just one stroke. Perfect timing, but is it enough...?

SAM BURNS! ONE BACK!It's a birdie on 16. pic.twitter.com/EkW8PmHi1NJune 21, 2026

BIRDIE PENDING FOR BURNS ⌛?

Sam Burns sends a cracking tee shot close on 17 and has a great look at birdie here to make everything level at the top...

Momentum... meet Mr. Burns❗Sam Burns with a great look at birdie on 17. pic.twitter.com/AMEa3VAvPVJune 21, 2026

NOWHERE NEAR...

That's simply not good enough from Sam Burns, and he throws away a golden chance to tie things up.

Sam Burns to tie the lead... never had a chance.It's a two-putt par at 17.He remains 1 back. pic.twitter.com/z3swGbOSPbJune 21, 2026

SCHAUFFELE STREAK CONTINUES

Congrats to Xander Schauffele who has now finished in the top 15 at the last 10 US Open events. Only three other golfers have ever done that...

The streak continues for Xander Schauffele!He becomes the fourth player in U.S. Open history to record 10 consecutive top-15 finishes. pic.twitter.com/m5um6uyXGmJune 21, 2026

BURNS HAS A CHANCE...

It's not bad on 18 from Burns, who has some hope to get the birdie he needs to level it up.

He gave himself a chance!Sam Burns has this left on 18 to tie for the U.S. Open lead. pic.twitter.com/KWx5ORmkPkJune 21, 2026

MEANWHILE, CLARK MISSES

On 15, Wyndham Clark fails to convert a birdie opportunity. Will he live to regret that one?

Clark comes up short on his birdie attempt at 15.1 ahead with 3 holes to play. pic.twitter.com/tbIqnUu7YYJune 21, 2026

SAM BURNS IS DONE

The round is over for Sam Burns. He shoots an impressive 67 and has the clubhouse lead at three-under. He's now waiting for Wyndham Clark, hoping for him to drop a shot and force a playoff.

SHOUTOUT TO KEITH MITCHELL

What a week Keith Mitchell had at Shinnecock Hills. 70 across the board. The first player in US Open history to go even par on all four days.

Keith Mitchell: 70-70-70-70He is the only player to shoot four rounds of even par in U.S. Open history.On the same week he became the only player to have a U.S. Open round with a sub-30 nine (29) & nine-hole score of 40 or worse (41).June 21, 2026

FINE MARGINS

Agonizingly close for Burns at the last. That would have made things REALLY interesting had it dropped...

To take a share of the U.S. Open lead... NOOOOOSam Burns is in the clubhouse at -3, one behind Clark. pic.twitter.com/F1RbbFwSpcJune 21, 2026

TOM KIM ISN'T OUT OF IT

We've not spoke about him much today but Tom Kim sinks a birdie at 16 to go within two:

It's his birthday too! 🎂Tom Kim to get within 2... GOT IT! pic.twitter.com/JZxZT7iU5JJune 21, 2026

CLARK GETS LUCKY

It's all going Wyndham's way on 16. First, he gets out of the fescue and over the bunker. Then, his approach shot clings to the green. Birdie chance, but even a par would suffice here...

Clark's approach threatens to feed off the back, but holds.He'll have a long look for birdie on the par 5. pic.twitter.com/Gcr0aMZvPqJune 21, 2026

A CHAMPION PUTT

You simply cannot argue with that. What a putt from Wyndham Clark. If that is the winning moment, it'll be a deserved victory.

WYNDHAM CLARK! HUGE!An unlikely birdie after his tee shot found the fescue. pic.twitter.com/RLO84XIltXJune 21, 2026

THREE PUTT FOR WYNDHAM

Wyndham Clark leaves his first putt short then misses on the second. It's a three putt to bogey and the lead now stands at just one stroke with the final hole to play...

He missed it 😳Wyndham Clark with a three-putt bogey on 17.Will take a 1-shot lead to the 18th tee. pic.twitter.com/IllwVYvlEpJune 21, 2026

CLARK KNOWS WHAT HE NEEDS TO DO

Wyndham Clark has two putts to win it. A second US Open title is so close now...

Two putts from there to win the U.S. Open. pic.twitter.com/Sb5pYT2YbnJune 21, 2026

GAME OVER

A brilliant long putt from Clark and he's got a tap-in now to claim the win.

WHAT A LAG PUTT!!!Wyndham Clark with a tap in left to win the U.S. Open! pic.twitter.com/lPrYhJ5mNwJune 21, 2026

WYNDHAM CLARK WINS THE US OPEN

Wyndham Clark did not have it easy. The crowd were against him, he dropped shots today, but he held firm and kept his cool at the last to wrap things up. A second US Open win for Clark 👏

WYNDHAM CLARK IS A TWO-TIME U.S. OPEN CHAMPION 🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/Y1ABt7107OJune 21, 2026

THE CROWD WERE AGAINST WYNDHAM

Wyndham Clark had to contend with a hostile crowd at Shinnecock Hills, but he's extremely proud of the way he battled through that atmosphere to land the win.

Speaking to the media after the round, he said: "They definitely didn't want me to win. It's pretty rare to have fans kind of boo against your shots or cheer for bad shots.

"That was tough, but sometimes being the underdog is nice. Anytime someone said something negative to me, I replaced it with something positive.

"I'm proud of myself that I battled through. Things really could have gotten away from me. I stood tough. I would have liked to have won by more, but as long as you win, it doesn't matter."

WYNDHAM CLARK 'BLESSED' TO WIN US OPEN AGAIN

Naturally, Wyndham Clark is delighted with his victory at Shinnecock Hills, and he said it's a very different type of win to his first US Open title back in 2023.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

'TODAY IS MY DAY'

The crowd wanted Scottie Scheffler to win it, but Wyndham Clark says the World No. 1 will have another chance to get his Grand Slam... today is his moment instead.

"Today is my day." A proud and emotional Wyndham Clark basks in his hard-earned triumph at Shinnecock Hills. pic.twitter.com/VH8dSgG9vMJune 21, 2026

FATHER'S DAY VICTORY

An emotional moment for Wyndham Clark, with his dad surprising him and proudly embracing the new US Open champion...

What a moment 🥹Father's Day just got a little bit sweeter for Wyndham Clark. pic.twitter.com/tIbfPNUuanJune 21, 2026

SCARY MOMENTS FOR WYNDHAM

It wasn't all plain sailing for Wyndham Clark on Sunday, with two key moments standing out as the most challenging...

"I think the bogey on 5 was just horrendous... That was very challenging," he told the media.

"Then, to bogey 17 was definitely a little bit of a shock," Clark added. "I have to give credit to [caddie] Dave [Pelekoudas]. He said, 'Hey, we're right where we want to be... We have a one-shot lead going into 18.'"

Where Did All The Fans Go At The US Open?

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 11:52:31 +0000

Wyndham Clark strolled to the finish line on Saturday evening at Shinnecock Hills to open up a six-stroke lead heading into the US Open final round, but sparse galleries made for a tame atmosphere and little excitement for TV viewers.

The final group went out at 3.45pm local time - giving vibes of 'twilight golf' at LACC in 2023 - as fans headed for the exits well before the last pairing finished out post-8pm.

So where were all the fans?

Shinnecock Hills and Long Island is a remote part of the country, and spectators have either the road or rail to get in-and-out.

I was surprised to hear on the No Laying Up podcast that the train to Manhattan takes 2hrs 30mins, so it's fairly easy to see why so many were leaving early.

The last direct train back to Manhattan's Penn Station was 7.10pm, well before the final group had finished. The only options post 7.10pm required you to change trains.

"Truly the only whiff of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock is just how early fans have to leave to catch the last train back to the city," the Fried Egg's Kevin Van Valkenburg tweeted.

"They are just POURING for the exits right now and the leaders are on Hole 6."

Truly the only whiff of the U.S. Open at Shinnecock is just how early fans have to leave to catch the last train back to the city. They are just POURING for the exits right now and the leaders are on Hole 6. pic.twitter.com/FEJXB1XTBCJune 20, 2026

We've heard plenty of stories this week of journeys on road taking 1-2 hours with the infamous Long Island traffic causing logistical issues for fans, media and others involved with the championship.

Why the USGA always sets the weekend tee times so late is somewhat of a mystery, but a 3.45pm final tee time does not help with creating a buzzing atmosphere late into the day when fans have got homes to get back to.

The US Open final round tee times see the last group out at 2.30pm so it will be an earlier finish on Sunday.

There are a couple of mitigating factors, as well, with Wyndham Clark essentially rendering the 2026 US Open done and dusted on Saturday evening with multiple clutch up-and-downs before a sensational eagle at the par 5 16th.

He opened up a seven-stroke lead at that point before giving one back at the last, which gives Scottie Scheffler somewhat of a hope ahead of the final round where he is seeking to catch Clark and complete the career grand slam.

The leaderboard is strong with good depth but it has lacked star power.

If Rory McIlroy was leading then there may have been more people sticking around, while golf's most popular figure Bryson DeChambeau didn't even make the weekend.

In fact, a whole host of big names missed the cut including Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Cameron Smith and Brooks Koepka, just to name four others.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are also not in the field.

Weirdly subdued vibes when Wyndham Clark arrived on 18 green this evening. Hard to fathom this was the third round of the U.S. Open.“It was unfortunate it got a little flat,” Clark said. “Sometimes it made it tough to stay really focused bc it seemed like everyone was leaving.” pic.twitter.com/WeVceLPFo2June 21, 2026

Wyndham Clark was asked about the small galleries late in the day, and he admitted the atmosphere was "unfortunate" and felt a "little flat."

"Yeah, it was kind of unfortunate that we're finishing in the dark and people weren't really out there because there were some obviously key, big moments, and it did kind of get a little flat, so yeah, unfortunately," he said.

"Hopefully tomorrow there's a bunch of fans and stuff, but for me, it's still really important, and I still felt the moment. It's just maybe unfortunate that there weren't all the people there."

He even likened the galleries to those following someone in 50th place.

"Yeah, actually I can when I was in, like, 50th place or something," he responded when asked if he can remember such small crowds.

"It's a little unfortunate. I don't know if it's because we finished so late or what, but it's okay. I am still excited to be where I'm at, and I'm not really focusing on that part.

"I love the energy. I love making a big putt and feeling that or hitting a good shot and getting the claps. So it was unfortunate it got a little flat.

Wyndham Clark and his caddie walking down the 18th at Shinnecock Hills in the third round of the 2026 US Open (Image credit: Getty Images)

"Also, because of that, sometimes it made it tough to stay really focused because it seemed like everyone was leaving, and it was like the tournament was over, and I had to keep myself really focused and in the present.

"I didn't do my best job; I made kind of two poor bogeys coming in. Hopefully there's people there tomorrow and it's a great atmosphere."

The number of fans on-site each day is reported to be around 25,000, which is said to be 15,000 down vs Oakmont last year and well shy on the 2024 figure from Pinehurst.

"There was no way there was ever going to be more than 155,000 here this week," USGA CEO Mike Whan told The Athletic.

"I don’t know what we had at Oakmont [last year], but I’ll bet you it was closer to 215,000. Pinehurst (2024) was like 250,000. But that’s the tradeoff."

The tradeoff for the USGA is lower revenue from ticket sales and a subdued atmosphere, but a venue that is considered to be one of the best in the world with a great history.

The USGA should be commended for that, but it could have perhaps worked a little harder to get more fans on-site and watching until the end.

US Open 2026 Final Round Tee Times And Pairings

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:38:57 +0000

Wyndham Clark takes a huge six-stroke lead into the final round of the 2026 US Open, with the 2023 champion carding a level-par 70 on Saturday.

Clark's closest challengers, at one-under-par, are World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, Sahith Theegala, Tom Kim and Sam Stevens, and he'll have Scheffler for company in the final group on Sunday.

Scheffler turns 30 on Sunday and could celebrate his birthday in style by completing the career grand slam, but he has plenty of ground to make up.

The final pairing go off at 2.30pm local time, with Tom Kim and Sahith Theegala in the penultimate group.

Take a look at all of the 2026 US Open final round tee times:

US Open final round pairings: local time EDT

7.45am: Dylan Wu, James Nicholas
7.56am: Peter Uihlein, Russell Henley
8.07am: Patrick Rodgers, Eric Lee (a)
8.18am: Neal Shipley, Hideki Matsuyama
8.29am: Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Nico Echavarria
8.40am: Caleb Surratt, Ben James
8.51am: Jackson Van Paris, Spencer Tibbits
9.02am: Kurt Kitayama, Max Greyserman
9.18am: Marek Fleming (a), Jacob Bridgeman
9.29am: Johnny Keefer, Ludvig Aberg
9.40am: Ryan Fox, Angel Hidalgo
9.51am: Miles Russell (a), Jackson Koivun (a)
10.02am: Robert MacIntyre, Chris Gotterup
10.13am: Harry Higgs, Andrew Putnam
10.24am: Michael Brennan, Jordan Spieth
10.35am: Bud Cauley, Ben Kohles
10.51am: Cameron Young, Joaquin Niemann
11.02am: Laurie Canter, Justin Thomas
11.13am: William Mouw, Niklas Norgaard
11.24am: Max McGreevy, Justin Rose
11.35am: Ben Griffin, Tyrrell Hatton
11.46am: Pierceson Coody, Dustin Johnson
11.57am: Ryo Hisatsune, Gary Woodland
12.13pm: Akshay Bhatia, Rory McIlroy
12.24pm: Maverick McNealy, Brian Harman
12.35pm: Zac Blair, Aaron Rai
12.46pm: John Parry, JT Poston
12.57pm: Sungjae Im, Michael Kim
1.08pm: Ryder Cowan (a), Alex Fitzpatrick
1.19pm: Corey Conners, Keegan Bradley
1.35pm: Matt Fitzpatrick, Collin Morikawa
1.46pm: Tommy Fleetwood, Xander Schauffele
1.57pm: Sam Burns, Keith Mitchell
2.08pm: Emiliano Grillo, Sam Stevens
2.19pm: Tom Kim, Sahith Theegala
2.30pm: Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark

US Open final round pairings: UK time

12.45pm: Dylan Wu, James Nicholas
12.56pm: Peter Uihlein, Russell Henley
1.07pm: Patrick Rodgers, Eric Lee (a)
1.18pm: Neal Shipley, Hideki Matsuyama
1.29pm: Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Nico Echavarria
1.40pm: Caleb Surratt, Ben James
1.51pm: Jackson Van Paris, Spencer Tibbits
2.02pm: Kurt Kitayama, Max Greyserman
2.18pm: Marek Fleming (a), Jacob Bridgeman
2.29pm: Johnny Keefer, Ludvig Aberg
2.40pm: Ryan Fox, Angel Hidalgo
2.51pm: Miles Russell (a), Jackson Koivun (a)
3.02pm: Robert MacIntyre, Chris Gotterup
3.13pm: Harry Higgs, Andrew Putnam
3.24pm: Michael Brennan, Jordan Spieth
3.35pm: Bud Cauley, Ben Kohles
3.51pm: Cameron Young, Joaquin Niemann
4.02pm: Laurie Canter, Justin Thomas
4.13pm: William Mouw, Niklas Norgaard
4.24pm: Max McGreevy, Justin Rose
4.35pm: Ben Griffin, Tyrrell Hatton
4.46pm: Pierceson Coody, Dustin Johnson
4.57pm: Ryo Hisatsune, Gary Woodland
5.13pm: Akshay Bhatia, Rory McIlroy
5.24pm: Maverick McNealy, Brian Harman
5.35pm: Zac Blair, Aaron Rai
5.46pm: John Parry, JT Poston
5.57pm: Sungjae Im, Michael Kim
6.08pm: Ryder Cowan (a), Alex Fitzpatrick
6.19pm: Corey Conners, Keegan Bradley
6.35pm: Matt Fitzpatrick, Collin Morikawa
6.46pm: Tommy Fleetwood, Xander Schauffele
6.57pm: Sam Burns, Keith Mitchell
7.08pm: Emiliano Grillo, Sam Stevens
7.19pm: Tom Kim, Sahith Theegala
7.30pm: Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark

US Open final round TV channels and times

US (ET): 9am-12pm (USA Network); 12pm-7pm (NBC)
UK (BST): 4pm-12am (Sky Sports Golf) & 6pm-12am (Sky Sports Main Event)
Australia (AEST): 11pm-9am (Fox Sports 503/ Kayo)
Canada (ET): 9am-7pm (TSN3)

'I Chose My Legacy Over LIV' - When Wyndham Clark Opened Up On Rejecting LIV Golf Offer

Mike Hall — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:06:07 +0000

Wyndham Clark is enjoying a huge resurgence in form in 2026, with victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson one of several standout performances.

That seemed set to get even better at the US Open, where he had a lead of six with a round remaining in his efforts to claim the title for the second time, having initially won it in 2023.

It was after that first US Open win that Clark was touted for a quite different career path, with the American heavily linked with a move to LIV Golf in 2024.

In the end, he opted not to follow the likes of Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Adrian Meronk to the league by staying on the PGA Tour.

That proved a good choice when, the same week the 2024 LIV Golf season began, he won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

On that occasion, poor weather resulted in the tournament finishing after 54 holes. Before the final round was canceled, Clark admitted he had held discussions over a move to LIV Golf before deciding against it.

Wyndham Clark explained why he opted against a move to LIV Golf before winning the 2024 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (Image credit: Getty Images)

He said: “Yeah, there’s definitely some truth. I definitely met with LIV and went through those discussions. I wanted to see what they could bring to the table.

"I ultimately declined going to LIV because I felt like I still have a lot of things left in the tank on the PGA Tour and I wanted to chase records, I wanted to chase world ranking. My dream is to try to be one of the top players in the world, if not the top player."

While Clark didn’t quite reach the top of the world rankings in 2024, he was certainly one of the world’s best players and never dropped out of the top 10 all year.

However, there was another reason he chose to stay on the PGA Tour: his legacy.

He said: "I just grew up always imagining winning PGA Tour events. So, ultimately, I chose my legacy over LIV, and that’s really what it came down to.

“You know, I don’t know what the future holds with my career and what the PGA Tour and LIV is going to do, but at least for this season I am 100% set on the PGA Tour, and I want to try to get to as high in the world as I possibly can."

The offer from LIV Golf came to Wyndham Clark months after he won the 2023 US Open (Image credit: Getty Images)

While 2024 was excellent for Clark, his form suffered the next year, slipping to 39th in the world by the end of 2025.

It’s possible that the dip in form could have left him questioning whether he’d chosen the right path after all, although his return to his best this year again sees him as one of the PGA Tour’s top performers.

Now, with doubts over the future of LIV Golf after the Saudi Public Investment Fund decided to pull out its backing, the PGA Tour looks an even more attractive proposition.

Clark admitted in 2024 that he'd done his research on what staying on the PGA Tour meant in light of its own investment from the Strategic Sport Group.

He said: "I did my due diligence. I felt like if I was going to make a life-changing decision, I wanted to make sure I did all the right things and call the right people, get the right information, understand what both tours are doing, what I should do, et cetera.

"I honestly have to give a huge hats off to Adam Scott, Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth because they have put so much effort - and Tiger Woods, sorry, and Tiger Woods, please put that in there."

Wyndham Clark admitted he was "torn" over Brooks Koepka's return to the PGA Tour (Image credit: Getty Images)

He added: "I didn’t want them to sway me in a certain way, but I definitely wanted their counsel and I just wanted to honor them and the amount of time and work and effort they have put into this agreement now with SSG and where the Tour is going.

"I sought a lot of counsel. I asked guys on both sides. I feel like that’s the right thing to do. Ultimately, it came down to talking with close people in my camp and my team of what we should do, and we decided to stay on the PGA Tour."

Two years after Clark’s career-defining decision, his loyalty to the PGA Tour appeared stronger than ever, even admitting he was "torn" over the return of Brooks Koepka to the circuit via the Returning Member Program.

Clark explained to the PGA Tour's Sirius XM Radio: "Gosh, I'm so torn. I, personally, really like Brooks and I ultimately think it's really good for the PGA Tour, but it's also a guy that had an opportunity to go to LIV... it's kind of frustrating that he's able to get the cake and also eat it.

"I don't know, I'm very torn because, at the end of the day, I want whatever's best for the PGA Tour. I think, if guys come back - especially top players like Brooks - it's only going to help the tour which is ultimately going to help me.”

Wyndham Clark is closing in on his second US Open title (Image credit: Getty Images)

"But I don't know really how I feel. I wish maybe that there were a few more repercussions, but I'm glad the things they set in place are pretty decent.

"And I also like the hard deadline. I just hope they stick with that and they don't waiver on that maybe in a year or two."

With Clark back to winning ways in 2026 and closing in on his second US Open title, his loyalty to the PGA Tour over a move to LIV Golf looks set to continue reaping rewards.

Race For The US Open Gold Medal: Ryder Cowan Opens Up Big Margin Ahead Of Koivun And Russell

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 23:59:29 +0000

While Wyndham Clark takes a huge lead into Sunday at the 2026 US Open, there's another big lead in the race for the low amateur honors.

The University of Oklahoma's Ryder Cowan has been a revelation this week, with the 21-year-old showcasing his skills on the big stage to outshine World No.1 Jackson Koivun - as things stand.

A total of 20 amateurs started the week with five making the cut, and Cowan finds himself five strokes clear of his nearest challenger with 18 holes to go.

Cowan was level-par after 36 holes and could easily have fallen back in tough conditions at Shinnecock Hills on Saturday, but his two-over-par 72 goes down as one of the most impressive rounds of the day.

He was out in level-par with a double and two birdies, and made two bogeys and seven pars to come home in 37, which gives him a nice cushion heading into Sunday.

The man he is trying to hold off is Koivun, who is turning professional on Monday after a record-breaking collegiate career. The 21-year-old from North Carolina, who has won two national titles with Auburn, is one of Cowan's closest challengers at seven-over-par.

Koivun and Russell are tied at +7 (Image credit: Getty Images)

On the same score is Koivun's playing partner in round three, 17-year-old Miles Russell, the no.1-ranked AJGA player who qualified in Florida last week with Charlie Woods on the bag.

Russell looks to be a superstar and will play his college golf at Florida State University alongside Woods in 2027.

The University of South Carolina's Marek Fleming is at eight-over, while Eric Lee of Oklahoma State is four strokes further adrift at 12-over.

So, who will win the US Open low amateur honors and join the likes of Scheffler, Spieth, Rahm and Hovland?

Cowan is certainly favorite after a sensational few days in New York, but you certainly can't count out the talented chasing pack.

US Open amateur leaderboard

+2 Ryder Cowan (68-72-72)
+7 Jackson Koivun (72-71-74)
+7 Miles Russell (72-71-74)
+8 Marek Fleming (72-72-74)
+12 Eric Lee (74-70-78)
+4 CUT LINE
+7 Bryan Lee
+7 Giuseppe Puebla
+8 Mason Howell
+9 Preston Stout
+9 Jackson Herrington
+10 Brandon Holtz
+11 Mateo Pulcini
+11 Hamilton Coleman
+11 Ethan Fang
+11 Logan Reilly
+12 Vaughn Harber
+12 Chase Kyes
+16 Matthew Robles
+20 Jackson Ormond
+21 Arni Sveinsson

'It's Going To Get Silly' - Robert MacIntyre Voices Concern Over US Open Setup And Predicts 'Carnage'

Mike Hall — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 22:24:01 +0000

Robert MacIntyre has questioned some of the pin positions for the third round of the US Open.

The Scot, who was paired with amateur Marek Fleming on Saturday, shot a three-over 73 to leave him out of contention with one round to play at Shinnecock Hills.

It’s not unusual for the US Open to have a brutal course set up, and that was certainly the case on Moving Day with firm greens and tricky pin positions combining with strong gusts of wind to cause havoc for many.

Given the windy conditions, the pin positions in particular irked MacIntyre, who spoke to BBC Sport NI afterwards, saying: “How long has that taken me to play in two balls? Four hours probably 40?

“That can tell you all you need to know. If we’re playing an Open Championship which it starts getting like out here I think some of the pin positions are just to be honest a bit ridiculous.”

'Some of the pin positions are a bit ridiculous' 🗣️Robert MacIntyre speaking after his third round at the US Open ⛳#BBCGolf pic.twitter.com/xTh9aJxlFrJune 20, 2026

MacIntyre then gave the example of one in particular, the par-3 11, where he made his third bogey of the day.

He added: “The pin on, I think it’s 11 is only a pin position it it’s flat calm or calm enough. I mean it’s blowing 30 miles an hour across that green.

“The scoring average on that one hole, par-3, is going to be over 4. I mean, some of the best golfers in the world or the best golfers in the world and it’s. Yeah, it’s carnage.”

The evening before the third round, the USGA sent a memo to players explaining that, for Saturday and Sunday, the course would be prepared to play progressively firmer with a target green speed of 11 on the USGA stimpmeter.

Robert MacIntyre carded a three-over 73 on Moving Day (Image credit: Getty Images)

MacIntyre confirmed that the intention remains to leave the greens unwatered before the final round, although that could change.

However, with more wind in the forecast, he has misgivings about what will happen if it gets any firmer.

He said: “Yeah, to be honest I just asked them if they were going to water the greens. They said they don’t want to but they might have to.

“I mean my weather forecast was the way it is right now was to be breezy but start dying down. They’ve got to hope it starts dying down or it will be carnage if this place starts getting firm and this wind’s up, it’s going to get silly.”

The US Open isn’t the first Major this season to receive criticism for its pin positions.

Following the second round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink, Scottie Scheffler described the pin positions as “absurd,” while Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry also questioned the course setup.

Which Is The Cheapest (And Most Expensive) Men's Major To Attend?

Mike Hall — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:56:00 +0000

The debate over which is the best of the four men’s Majors comes around every year.

However, whether it’s The Masters, the PGA Championship, the US Open or The Open at the top of your list, one thing most golf fans can agree on is the prestige of all four.

While some other events can be considered their equal, a persuasive argument would be necessary to convince many that even an occasion as huge as the Ryder Cup beats them.

There are several reasons for that, including what winning a men’s Major means for the player’s career and legacy, the historical significance of the tournaments, and their global TV audiences.

Given their status, it’s not surprising that each of the men’s Majors carries higher ticket prices than most other tournaments, but they are not all priced the same. So, how do they compare?

The first of the year’s men’s Majors is The Masters, and it also offers plenty of value compared to the other three.

As well as famously cheap concessions for those lucky enough to make it to Augusta National, ticket prices in 2026 were also reasonable. Each of the four tournament days saw prices set at $160 - an increase of $20 from the previous year.

Because of the limited nature of tickets for The Masters, as well as the huge draw of a day at Augusta National, those that reach the aftermarket don't stay at those prices, with resale tickets costing thousands.

Even then, there's no guarantee you'll get in, because if Augusta National finds out it's been acquired through a third party, they can refuse entry.

It cost $160 to watch Rory McIlroy win The Masters (Image credit: Getty Images)

Next was the PGA Championship’s return to Aronimink for the first time since 1962.

According to Front Office Sports, general admission ticket prices were between $199 for Thursday’s opening round and $299 for the weekend rounds before taxes and fees.

The ticket offers even better value than that, too, because the holder is entitled to one entrée item, one snack item and one non-alcoholic beverage each time they visit a concession venue.

The 2026 US Open, which is being held at Shinnecock Hills, saw prices ranging from $217 to $289, inclusive of fees.

The cheapest day was Thursday, with Friday and Sunday tickets costing $267, and the highest price of the week reserved for Saturday’s third round.

Prices for the US Open go up to $289 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Finally, there is The Open, which, in 2026, comes from Royal Birkdale. For this year's event, over one million applied for tickets, with 300,000 set to attend.

The price of an adult ticket for the first and second rounds was set at £120 ($158), with that increasing to £130 ($172) for the third round and £140 ($185) for the final round.

However, prices are significantly lower for those aged between 16 and 24, ranging from £60 to £70. Even better, under-16s go free all week.

Even with those concessions, there was some controversy when ticket prices were announced for the 2027 edition at St Andrews.

That’s because the final round on that occasion will see an adult price of £190 ($250) – a 46% increase on a year earlier.

While news of the jump in prices left golf fans divided, neither they nor the ticket prices for the other three men’s Majors come close to the staggering prices for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.

Tickets will cost €499 ($585) for the three match days (Friday September 17th to Sunday September 19th), compared to €260 for the 2023 match in Rome.

While that's a 91% increase on the last time Europe hosted the match, it is lower than the controversial $750 tickets for the 2025 Ryder Cup at New York's Bethpage Black.

2026 Men's Major Ticket Prices (Adult General Admission)

Major	Tournament Days Price Range
The Masters	$160
PGA Championship	$199-$299
US Open	$217-$289
The Open	£120 ($158)-£140 ($185)

'You Didn't See Jack Nicklaus Dropping F Bombs' - Brandel Chamblee Condemns Modern Golfers For On-Course Behavior

Jakob Barnes — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 18:17:29 +0000

Player behavior is a hot topic right now, with Joaquin Niemann the latest to suffer at the hands of the USGA code of conduct, but that's not a bad thing.

Brandel Chamblee has been discussing the way players act, in particular their foul language and propensity for throwing clubs in anger, and he thinks it's about time punishments were handed out.

With Niemann given a two-stroke penalty in the first round of this year's US Open, perhaps players will think twice before they lash out in frustration.

Chamblee reflected on the legendary players of many decades ago, insisting that the kind of behaviour we see today was simply not a thing in the past.

"I never saw Jack Nicklaus throw a club. Never heard him yell an F bomb. Never heard a profane word from him on the golf course," Chamblee told Golf Channel.

"Never saw Palmer do it. Never Tom Watson. Pick your player. Greg Norman, all the bad losses he had, he never threw a club, never swore. Say what you like about Phil Mickelson, but I’ve never seen him throw a club or drop an F bomb," he added.

Times have changed, though, and Chamblee seemed to suggest Tiger Woods may have been the catalyst for a new breed of golfer today.

Chamblee continued: "The same wasn’t true about Tiger Woods. One of the best players ever, we all love him, everybody got rich off him, but he was one of the most profane golfers to ever play the game.

"Nobody ever criticized him, he skated through… they did to some extent but it wasn’t prolific and he wasn’t held to account the way Wyndham Clark was last year when he broke that locker."

"It rains F-bombs on the PGA Tour. Clubs get thrown all the time. Tee markers get destroyed.""Composure is a skill, and it's lazy to throw clubs and it's lazy to drop F-bombs when you know the whole world is watching."Brandel talks about the code of conduct that has been put… pic.twitter.com/zvA3OwAbf3June 20, 2026

Highlighting the various players he has witnessed acting inappropriately, Chamblee added: "Everybody that’s playing now watched Tiger… and it rains F bombs on the PGA Tour.

"Clubs get thrown all the time. Tee markers get destroyed. Players have all the power in the world, nobody reigns them in. I always thought you would get fined for profanity on the PGA Tour, but I guess not. When you watch it’s F bomb after F bomb.

"Jon Rahm missed a putt and screamed the F word as loud as he could. I’m no prude, I’ve played golf, I understand how crazy it gets and I’ve done it, too, of course. But not if I was on TV. These guys are on video everywhere they go. They have a bigger burden than we had, but with that comes unimaginable wealth. It goes with the scrutiny."

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The introduction of a new, sterner code of conduct in golf is applauded by Chamblee, who believes the game has changed for the better in the wake of some high-profile transgressions over the last year.

"Composure is a skill. And it’s lazy to throw clubs and drop F bombs when you know the world is watching. There are people watching with their kids," he said. "It’s great that the code of conduct has been passed and that it’s sending a message to the players."

"What Sergio Garcia did at Augusta National, it sent a message," Chamblee stated. "Everyone drew a line last year at the US Open, with Wyndham Clark, and Rory McIlroy tearing up a tee marker. These guys have run amok and it’s great that the code of conduct has been put in place."

Who Holds The Shinnecock Hills Course Record? And What Is It?

jonny.leighfield@futurenet.com (Jonny Leighfield) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 17:44:02 +0000

One of the best golf courses in the world, Shinnecock Hills has been hosting its 10th USGA Championship this week.

The 2026 US Open has been played at this iconic layout for the sixth time in the club's history, and fifth since 1986, with Shinnecock first staging the toughest of the four modern Majors in 1896.

During that time, the winning score in the five individual stroke play championships has never exceeded four-under with South Africa's Retief Goosen posting the lowest tournament total in 2004.

However, while four-round totals at Shinnecock Hills have seldom dipped under par, there has been the odd case of someone posting an impressive 18-hole score.

The par-70 total has been surpassed plenty of times, but the lowest until recently was a five-under 65 from the clubs of Chip Beck, Lanny Wadkins and Mark Calcavecchia.

Mark Calcavecchia won The Open in 1989... three years prior, he'd set the Shinnecock Hills course record (Image credit: Getty Images)

All three players achieved the feat in the final round of the 1986 US Open at Shinnecock, with Beck and Wadkins catapulting themselves into a share of second place on one-over for the championship as a result.

The pair picked up $47,646 apiece but were still two strokes behind winner, Raymond Floyd on one-under-par.

But the first player to shoot 65 at Shinnecock Hills was Calcavecchia. The man who would go on to win the 1989 Open Championship and shares the record for the lowest back nine at The Masters (29 - 1992) cracked a five-under score to leave himself in solo 14th once all was said and done.

The trio's joint-record stood for 22 years until a certain Tommy Fleetwood arrived on Long Island in 2018 and created history of his own.

The Englishman was coming off a fourth-place finish at Erin Hills the year before in just his second-ever US Open and appeared to already enjoy the kind of a test this championship put players through.

While he was doing well at Shinnecock Hills, Fleetwood began the final round in 2018 some six strokes behind the leaders - consequently, he teed off around three hours before eventual champion Brooks Koepka and co.

But perhaps that freedom allowed him to go out there and do what he did. Fleetwood was two-under through the first three and then claimed a couple more birdies at the sixth and seventh holes to move out to four-under for the day.

A frustrating lone bogey of round four arrived at the par-4 ninth, but Fleetwood quickly put that behind him and chained consecutive birdies together between holes 12-15 to reach seven-under for the day and two-over for the week.

Fleetwood walks down the 18th at Shinnecock Hills during the final round of the 2018 US Open (Image credit: Getty Images)

With just one more birdie securing him what would have been the outright lowest total ever seen at any US Open at the time, the man who would go on to win his first PGA Tour title at the 2025 Tour Championship made par at 16 and 17 before dropping a simply sublime approach to six feet at the 18th.

Yet, a tame effort saw Fleetwood's last-gasp birdie attempt tail off to the right and he would sign for a seven-under 63.

Fleetwood became one of just six men at the time ever to shoot a 63 at a US Open, he broke the Shinnecock Hills course record by two and he tied the best-ever 18-hole total at a US Open (until Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele rewrote history in 2023).

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Yet, the Ryder Cup star was disappointed. "I wanted 62," he told Fox after his round.

Had he shot 62, Fleetwood would have posted one-over for the championship and been embroiled in a playoff with Brooks Koepka. As it was, the 11-time pro winner finished solo second by the finest of margins.

Speaking to Fox about his special round, Fleetwood said: "I knew I was kind of in it teeing off, but you still have to get off to that good start.

"... All the way around, I always felt like I could get myself back in it. It's funny though, when you finish, you always feel like you're going to be just short [of winning].

Fleetwood poses with his runner-up medal after the 2018 US Open (Image credit: Getty Images)

"... I made great putts coming down that back nine. It's easy to look at 16, 18 where I had chances, because that's essentially what it comes down to, but I made so many good putts today."

Since that day, Fleetwood's record at the US Open since has not been all that special with three missed cuts, two finishes of T50th or worse and a best of T16th in his six appearances.

Nevertheless, his FedEx Cup victory has undoubtedly given the Englishman new confidence and there is every chance another score in the low 60s could be posted again this week.

How To Get 2027 US Open Tickets

Mike Hall — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 17:25:52 +0000

The 2027 US Open will take place at Pebble Beach, a venue that has hosted it six times previously.

The iconic California course is one of the USGA’s anchor sites for the tournament, with three future editions also confirmed until 2044.

When it hosts the US Open in 12 months, it will be the first time since 2019, when Gary Woodland beat Brooks Koepka by three.

As well as joining Baltusrol as a seven-time US Open host in 2027, meaning it will trail the most frequent host, Oakmont, by just three, Pebble Beach is famous for several other reasons.

It is also the venue for the PGA Tour Signature Event, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, while other big events that have been held there include the 2023 US Women’s Open and five editions of the US Amateur.

Meanwhile, the Monterey Peninsula course is open to the public, allowing recreational golfers to test their ability on its famous cliff-top holes, including one of the most iconic par-3s in the world, the 7th.

Given its beloved status and long US Open history, the 2027 tournament is sure to have high demand for tickets, but how can you get them?

Gary Woodland won the US Open the last time Pebble Beach hosted the tournament (Image credit: Getty Images)

Tickets will be available for practice days and tournament days, with US Open week falling between June 14th and 20th in 2027.

Tickets are not yet available, although, per the official Pebble Beach website, they will go on sale "soon."

For now, you can join the waitlist for tickets by submitting details, including your name, email address and the number of tickets you intend to purchase on the official USGA website.

From there, details and pricing options will be provided as soon as they are available. Among the options, which will all be confirmed in due course, are VIP seating and premium hospitality.

Wyndham Clark Career Earnings: How Much Money Has The 2023 US Open Champion Won?

Jakob Barnes — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:22:23 +0000

Wyndham Clark loves the US Open, especially after his victory at Los Angeles Country Club in 2023, and he's making a charge for the title again this week.

Clark may have slipped down the OWGR list last year, but he's now sitting at number 34 and is rising steadily. Another US Open win would do wonders in that regard.

It would also boost his bank balance significantly, with the US Open purse offering up $4.5 million for the winner.

2023 and 2024 may have been the real statement years for Clark's career, but he's actually been competing on the PGA Tour since way back in 2016/17.

He played five events that year, but missed the cut on four of them. His T51st finish at the Quicken Loans National earned him a meagre $16,933.

The following year was far more efficient for Clark, with just three events played on the Tour but a 17th-place finish at the Sanderson Farms Championship earned him $68,800.

Things really took off for Clark in 2019, when he played 27 events and broke the $1 million barrier for the first time. A T5th at the 3M Open earned just under a quarter of a million, while T7th at the Honda Classic also brought in just over $219,000.

His form took a bit of a dip in 2020, though, with earnings dropping to $814,737. A T8th finish at The CJ Cup at Nine Bridges was Clark's best showing and his big earner, bringing in $273,000.

An agonizing playoff defeat at the Bermuda Championship in 2021 was tough to take, but it still earned Clark $436,000 - his biggest single payout to that point and helped him get back up to $1,198,800 for the year.

In 2022, Clark failed to break the top five at any event, but he was more consistent over the year with seven top 25 finishes.

Those included a solo 13th place at The American Express ($161,500), T7th at RBC Canadian Open ($273,325), and T8th at Rocket Mortgage Classic ($254,100) to amount to a $1.5 million prize pot for the year.

You probably don't need telling, but 2023 was a very lucrative year for Clark, largely thanks to his wins at the US Open and the Wells Fargo Championship, with each earning him $3.6 million apiece.

Strong showings at the WM Phoenix (T10th), Valspar Championship (5th), Zurich Classic of New Orleans (3rd), and The Memorial Tournament (T12th) helped him exceed $10 million in earnings that year.

Wyndham Clark with the trophy after his US Open win (Image credit: Getty Images)

He surpassed that the following year, with a win at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am bringing in another $3.6 million and a solo second at the Arnold Palmer Invitational earning Clark another $2.2 million.

He then finished T2nd at The Players and T3rd at the RBC Heritage shortly after to add another $3 million to the pot.

There was a dramatic drop-off in form and earnings for Clark last year, with a total of just $2,883,112 coming in 2025.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

He did finish T4th at The Open Championship which earned him over $700,000, while T5th at Texas Children's Houston Open added a further $337,843, but Clark would be the first to admit that it wasn't his best year.

He's already outdone himself this season, with earnings of $4,462,736 prior to the US Open. Winning the CJ Cup Byron Nelson is the main source of income there, with over $1.8 million in earnings, and he followed that up with a solo third place at The Memorial Tournament to add another $1.4 million.

In total over his career, Wyndham Clark has now earned $33,926,799.

WYNDHAM CLARK CAREER EARNINGS: YEAR BY YEAR

Year	PGA Tour Earnings	Korn Ferry Tour Earnings	Total
2017	$16,933	$4,997	$21,930
2018	$68,800	$192,473	$261,273
2019	$1,278,721	$0	$1,278,721
2020	$814,737	$0	$814,737
2021	$1,198,800	$0	$1,198,800
2022	$1,544,055	$0	$1,544,055
2023	$10,757,490	$0	$10,757,490
2024	$10,901,416	$0	$10,901,416
2025	$2,883,112	$0	$2,883,112
2026	$4,462,736	$0	$4,462,736
		TOTAL	$33,926,799

US Open 2026 Round Three Tee Times And Pairings

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 01:04:49 +0000

Wyndham Clark takes a four-stroke lead into the weekend at the 2026 US Open after a strong 64-69 start.

The 2023 LACC champion sits at seven-under-par after 36 holes at Shinnecock Hills, four clear of his closest challengers with Matt Fitzpatrick, Xander Schauffele, Sam Stevens and Tom Kim all at three-under-par.

Clark will play alongside Fitzpatrick in the final pairing on Saturday at 3.45pm local time, following out the penultimate group of Stevens and Schauffele at 3.34pm.

Take a look at all of Saturday's US Open tee times below...

US Open 2026 round three tee times and pairings:

All times local EDT

9am: Dylan Wu, Jacob Bridgeman
9.11am: Chris Gotterup, Eric Lee (a)
9.22am: Peter Uihlein, Caleb Surratt
9.33am: Marek Fleming (a), Robert MacIntyre
9.44am: Nico Echavarria, Hideki Matsuyama
9.55am: Bud Cauley, Neal Shipley
10.06am: Laurie Canter, Michael Kim
10.17am: Jackson Koivun (a), Miles Russell (a)
10.33am: Patrick Rodgers, Emiliano Grillo
10.44am: James Nicholas, Angel Hidalgo
10.55am: Jordan Spieth, Joaquin Niemann
11.06am: Russell Henley, Dustin Johnson
11.17am: Ryan Fox, Michael Brennan
11.28am: Pierceson Coody, Max Greyserman
11.39am: Kurt Kitayama, Tyrrell Hatton
11.50am: Cameron Young, Sungjae Im
12.06pm: Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Spencer Tibbits
12.17pm: JT Poston, Ben Griffin
12.28pm: Andrew Putnam, John Parry
12.39pm: Jackson Van Paris, Ben James
12.50pm: Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Aberg
1.01pm: Keegan Bradley, Johnny Keefer
1.12pm: Ben Kohles, Justin Rose
1.28pm: Corey Conners, Aaron Rai
1.39pm: Zac Blair, Max McGreevy
1.50pm: Niklas Norgaard, Alex Fitzpatrick
2.01pm: Scottie Scheffler, Brian Harman
2.12pm: Maverick McNealy, Rory McIlroy
2.23pm: Keith Mitchell, Akshay Bhatia
2.34pm: Gary Woodland, Ryo Hisatsune
2.50pm: Ryder Cowan (a), William Mouw
3.01pm: Sahith Theegala, Sam Burns
3.12pm: Harry Higgs, Justin Thomas
3.23pm: Collin Morikawa, Tom Kim
3.34pm: Sam Stevens, Xander Schauffele
3.45pm: Matt Fitzpatrick, Wyndham Clark

US Open TV times and channels: third round

US (ET): 10am-12pm (USA Network); 12pm-8pm (NBC)
UK (BST): 4pm-1am (Sky Sports Golf) & 9.30pm-1am (Sky Sports Main Event)
Australia (AEST): Sunday 12am-10am (Fox Sports 503 /Kayo)
Canada (ET): 10am-8pm (TSN5)

12 Big Names To Miss The Cut At The 2026 US Open

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:11 +0000

Wyndham Clark takes a four-stroke lead into the weekend at Shinnecock Hills as he chases his second US Open title.

The 2023 champion at Los Angeles Country Club has a big margin heading into the final 36-holes after a 64-69 start in strong winds at what is regarded as one of the country's toughest tests.

Not everyone found it as scoreable as Clark, though, with a surprisingly large number of big name players heading home early.

So, which big names missed the 2026 US Open cut? Let's take a look...

Bryson DeChambeau: +5 (70-75)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Bryson DeChambeau's tricky run continues as he misses his third consecutive Major cut and also misses the weekend for the second successive year at the US Open.

The LIV star, who won the 2020 and 2024 US Opens, got off to a good start with a level-par 70 on Thursday but followed it up with a five-over-par 75 on day two. DeChambeau's 75 featured back-to-back double bogeys and four other dropped shots.

He lost 2.44 strokes with his irons and over three strokes with his putter after ranking 1st in Strokes Gained: Off the tee.

Rickie Fowler: +5 (71-74)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Fowler started the week with a solid enough 71 but fell four strokes back on Friday with a disappointing 74.

He had the tougher side of the draw and narrowly missed a birdie putt to make the cut on his final hole, but ultimately he fell one shy.

The popular American, who was T5th at LACC in 2023, has gone a disappointing T60-MC in his only two Major starts this year.

Viktor Hovland: +5 (76-69)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Hovland's race was run on Thursday when he made six bogeys and 12 pars for a disappointing 76.

The Norwegian bounced back well with a 69 on Friday but it wasn't enough to see him in for the weekend.

It is his second consecutive Major missed cut.

Patrick Reed: +5 (72-73)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Reed was expected to go well this week but he'll be ruing a late double bogey and a short missed putt that saw him miss the weekend.

In fairness, the 2018 Masters champion eagled the very next hole after his double but four other bogeys contributed to a second round of 73.

The Race to Dubai leader misses his first US Open cut since 2016.

Jon Rahm: +6 (68-78)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Jon Rahm was arguably the biggest surprise of Friday, as the Spaniard followed up his sublime bogey-free 68 with an eight-over-par 78.

The back-to-back LIV Golf champion's wait for a third Major will continue this week after a shocking run that saw him drop six shots in five holes on the back nine.

Rahm lost over two strokes with his irons and wedges and almost three strokes on the greens.

Shane Lowry: +6 (73-73)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Shane Lowry was highly fancied to do well in the breezy conditions this week at Shinnecock but two 73s see him missing the cut.

The 2019 Open champion had two very similar rounds, with two birdies, three bogeys and a double on each day.

It is back-to-back missed cuts in the US Open for the World No.44.

Cameron Smith: +6 (75-71)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Hopes were high for Cameron Smith after a T7 finish at the PGA Championship last month, but it's another early ending for the 2022 Open champion.

The damage was done on Thursday for Smith with a 75, and his solid 71 on Friday afternoon dropped him one stroke further back from the cutline.

It means he has now missed seven of his last eight Major cuts. An unthinkable statistic after his incredible St Andrews victory four years ago.

Patrick Cantlay: +6 (74-72)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Cantlay misses his second successive US Open cut and his fourth in the last six Majors.

The eight-time PGA Tour winner carded a four-over-par 74 on Thursday and was slightly better in round two but still fell short of the mark.

Remarkably, the former FedEx Cup champion is on a win drought stretching back to August 2022.

Min Woo Lee: +7 (74-73)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Min Woo Lee will not be joining his sister, Minjee, as a Major champion this week.

The big-hitting and popular Australian made nine bogeys and a costly triple over his first two rounds to finish at seven-over-par.

He has now missed the cut in six of the last eight Majors.

JJ Spaun: +8 (77-71)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

JJ Spaun becomes the second successive US Open champion to miss the cut in their title defense.

The damage was done in round one, where he made five bogeys and a double to card a 77. He was better on Friday but needed something much lower to get in for the weekend.

It means he has missed the cut in all three Majors this year.

Adam Scott: +8 (73-75)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

It was a special week for Adam Scott, who was playing in his 100th consecutive Major.

It is a phenomenal achievement from the legendary Australian, but it won't have a fairytale ending after shooting +8 for 36 holes.

The 2013 Masters champion has now missed three of his last four Major cuts. We'll see him next month at Royal Birkdale for number 101.

Brooks Koepka: +10 (73-77)

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Brooks Koepka was in with a good chance of making the weekend with ten holes to play at three-over before shooting seven-over-par on the way home.

The 2018 champion at Shinnecock Hills, who withdrew with a hand injury last week in Canada, finished at 10-over-par to miss the cut for the fourth time in his last seven Majors.

Koepka's iron play is usually his strong point but he surprisingly lost 1.53 strokes to the field in Approach, which may well be down to his injury.

Other notables to miss the 2026 US Open cut:

+5 Ryan Gerard
+5 Billy Horschel
+5 Harris English
+5 Nick Taylor
+6 Carlos Ortiz
+6 Lucas Herbert
+6 Kristoffer Reitan
+6 Si Woo Kim
+6 Alex Noren
+7 Sepp Straka
+8 Jake Knapp
+9 David Puig
+9 Alex Smalley
+9 Nicolai Hojgaard
+10 Daniel Berger
+11 Harry Hall
+11 Padraig Harrington
+12 Graeme McDowell

Where Is The 2027 US Open?

Mike Hall — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 22:18:19 +0000

In 2022, the USGA announced Pebble Beach would join Pinehurst No.2 and Oakmont as one of its anchor sites for the US Women’s Open and the US Open, meaning it would be guaranteed editions on a regular, long-term basis.

Sure enough, it hosted the US Women’s Open for the first time in 2023, with three more editions to come, while it is also guaranteed to host the US Open four times between now and 2044.

Unlike the US Women’s Open, the iconic California course has already hosted the US Open multiple times, with the Major scheduled to be held there for the seventh occasion in 2027.

The first time the US Open was held at the layout was in 1972, when Jack Nicklaus beat Bruce Crampton.

A decade later, it returned, where Nicklaus was the runner-up as Tom Watson triumphed.

Another 10 years passed before it hosted the US Open for the third time, in 1992. On that occasion, Tom Kite saw off the challenge of Jeff Sluman.

Pebble Beach was the setting for a record-breaking US Open in 2000, when Tiger Woods claimed the first of his three titles, beating Ernie Els and Miguel Angel Jiminez by a staggering 15 strokes.

In 2010, it was a far closer affair as Graeme McDowell edged out Gregory Havret by one at Pebble Beach, before Gary Woodland beat Justin Rose by the same margin in 2019.

Gary Woodland was the most recent player to win the US Open at Pebble Beach (Image credit: Getty Images)

The course, which is open to the public, needs little introduction to golf fans, thanks to several reasons.

One is the PGA Tour event that is held there annually, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Another is its breathtaking beauty, with the layout situated on California’s Monterey Peninsula and overlooking the Pacific’s rugged Carmel Bay.

It is also known for tricky holes with predominantly tiny greens, as well as another challenge being the winds that regularly whip in from the Pacific.

That can make several holes particularly daunting, not least one of the best par-3s in the world, the 106-yard seventh.

Pebble Beach's seventh is one of the best par-3s in the world (Image credit: Getty Images)

The eighth, ninth and 10th also feature the ocean to the right, while the famous 18th, with the Pacific all the way along the left, guarantees a challenging finish.

Given all of that, there’s little wonder the USGA designated Pebble Beach one of its anchor sites.

As a result, the US Open will also return to the course in 2032, 2037 and 2044.

'It Kind Of Helped Me' - Joaquin Niemann Reacts To Two-Stroke Penalty And Impeccable Second Round At US Open

Jakob Barnes — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 21:02:48 +0000

It was not a good first day at Shinnecock Hills for Joaquin Niemann on Thursday, but he bounced back in style on day two.

Shooting six-over-par is never fun, but Niemann was hit with a two-stroke penalty after finishing his round, with an incident on the sixth hole nearly costing him dearly.

Frustration got the better of the Chilean who, after hitting it out of bounds twice, launched his sand wedge which, in-turn, breached the USGA's code of conduct.

Niemann took the penalty on the chin and came out fighting on Friday to shoot a five-under 65, which is still the best score of the day (joint with Collin Morikawa) as things stand.

Speaking to the media after his impressive round, Niemann explained the incident and how it impacted his mindset going into Friday's play at the US Open.

He said: "I hit it two times out of bounds on the right, two bad swings. Then I got pretty frustrated. I'm not someone that likes to behave like that. I'm the first one to judge myself when I don't behave on the golf course.

"That was misbehavior from my part. I felt a little bit extra penalized with a two-shot penalty, but it is what it is. I think I'm going to learn from it. It definitely helped me a little bit to have a better round today."

Expanding on the matter, Niemann added: "Hitting the golf ball at 8.30pm, I felt like my body wasn't quite there.

"I think they blew the horn already. I'm not sure if they did or not, but after I hit that shot, all the frustration that came inside me and I had my club in my hand, and I couldn't resist to throw it away.

"There was no people around, obviously. I'm not proud of it, but sometimes, all the expectation of trying to play well and things doesn't go your way, you get frustrated, and that was me there."

Niemann cut a frustrated figure following his septuple bogey 11 on the sixth hole (Image credit: Getty Images)

Incredibly, Niemann only found out about the penalty 37 minutes before starting his second round on Friday morning.

It didn't have a negative effect, though, clearly.

When asked about his play on day two, the LIV Golf star said: "I hit great tee shots. I kind of went out with a pretty aggressive mindset, and it worked out.

"Sometimes, especially in these tournaments, it could go the other way, and this time it worked."

He was quick to acknowledge the people around him for helping him get back on track quickly and play the way he did today.

"I have a good team around me," Niemann continued. "I finished the round, and I have four or five people on my team around me. I was frustrated. They were trying to get me up. I just tried to do my best."

Thanks to today's performance, Niemann sits three-over for the week, which should be enough to see him make the cut for the weekend.

'To Be Honest, I've Had A Really Crappy Attitude' - US Open Contender Sam Stevens' Refreshingly Honest Verdict On Bad Form

Jakob Barnes — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 17:45:02 +0000

Sam Stevens' record of late does not make for pleasant reading, but he's had a great start to proceedings at the US Open.

After a T24 finish at The Masters, Stevens has finished T65 at the RBC Heritage and the PGA Championship, with a 70th place finish at the Truist Championship to boot.

In his last outing at the Memorial Tournament, Stevens didn't even make the cut after a distastrous 11-over score.

Despite the difficult conditions at Shinnecock Hills this week for the US Open, Stevens put in a strong showing on day one to finish two-under.

Reflecting on the past few events and how that may have impacted his run-up to the latest Major, Stevens admitted his own attitude has got in the way of his golf game.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Speaking to the media after his first round, Stevens said: "I wouldn't say I'm surprised. I haven't played as well over the last month or so. To be honest, I've had a really crappy attitude, which makes golf a lot harder.

"So I got a week at home last week and just kind of focusing on trying to stay positive and kind of enjoy playing a little more.

"I've played well this year. I just haven't had maybe the best last month or so. So I'm not super surprised, but I'm grateful to shoot a couple under."

Asked why that mentality might have crept into his game and what he's done to combat it, Stevens added: "I just maybe had a little too high expectations. Then the moment that those expectations aren't met, I'm a little more upset than I need to be. No broken clubs or anything yet. So that's good.

"It's kind of one of those things. It's a long season. I played a lot the first half of the season. It's easy to get worn down a little bit, and I just haven't been as on top of keeping a good attitude as I should have been.

"A week at home is always nice, [it gave me] a little perspective."

Whether Stevens can keep his cool and maintain his rhythm into round two at the US Open remains to be seen, but it definitely looks and sounds like he's making positive steps in the right direction.

The Forgotten US Open Venues That Have Never Been Used Again

Jakob Barnes — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:44:57 +0000

This year, we are witnessing a grueling US Open play out in difficult conditions at Shinnecock Hills.

For the most part, the USGA now has a fairly cast-iron rota of elite courses it likes to use for the US Open. That includes anchor sites like Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, and Oakmont, along with other prestigious courses that could host the flagship event.

However, there are dozens of other courses that have previously hosted the US Open just once, and then have never been used again.

So, which venues have only hosted once? And likely won't see the tournament return in the near future?

Newport Country Club: The Rhode Island venue hosted the first-ever US Open way back in 1895 but organizers were always reluctant to revisit the course due to the fact it's wedged between heavily-populated residential areas, making it difficult to accomodate the crowds and traffic of a Major golf event.

Garden City Golf Club: Based in New York, Garden City was the home of the US Open in 1902 but the USGA has not used the course since 1936. That's due to the fact the venue has strict, archaic membership rules, with women still not allowed to join the club, which goes against the policies of the governing body.

Glen View Club: Down in Illinois, Glen View has largely been sidelined since it hosted in 1904 due to the fact it doesn't meet the infrastructure requirements to accomodate an event like the US Open. The fact the area around the golf course is prone to flooding doesn't help, either.

Onwentsia Club: Another Illinois venue, this course hosted just once, in 1906, but was deemed to be too short and lacking in the resources to hold a Major.

Englewood Golf Club: It's a bit of a sad story for this New Jersey course. After hosting the US Open in 1909, the venue eventually hit financial difficulties and suffered great upheaval due to the construction of Interstate 95. It was sold in 1977 and closed down, with houses built on the land since.

Country Club of Buffalo: After hosting in 1912, the club moved to Williamsville in the 1920s and the venue it left behind was altered to be shorter after being sold to the city of New York. It was deemed too short to be suitable for the US Open.

The Minikahda Club: This venue hosted the last US Open before the breakout of World War I, but when tournaments resumed afterwards, it was not up to scratch in terms of its size and the logistics of the surrounding area.

Brae Burn: The main course at Brae Burn hosted the 1919 US Open after Donald Ross upgraded the design. However, it still didn't have the infrastructure in place to host again, and controversies regarding tax breaks in the early 21st century won't have helped matters.

Bellerive Country Club, venue for the 1965 US Open (Image credit: Getty Images)

Columbia Country Club: After hosting in 1921, this golf course was simply said to be too short to prove challenging enough to warrant the US Open.

Skokie Country Club: The same applies to Skokie down in Illinois, with a yardage of just over 7,000 yards not quite being long enough for the tournament.

Inwood Country Club: One of the more interesting stories here, as this New York venue played host in 1923 but never again, mainly due to its unusual course routing. The front nine includes three consecutive par-5 holes followed by back-to-back par-3 holes.

Worcester Country Club: Became the first course to have hosted the US Open, Women's US Open, and the Ryder Cup by 1960 (Pinehurst has since taken on that honor, too). However, the venue never hosted the US Open again as it was too short.

Scioto Country Club: Hosted in 1926 but simply does not have the length to host a US Open at sub-7,000 yards. It will be home to the US Senior Open this summer, though.

Interlachen Country Club: Another venue you may have still seen hosting big events is Interlachen in Minnesota. It wasn't long enough to keep hosting the US Open after 1930, but has since turned its focus to hosting women's events like the US Women's Open.

Interlachan Country Club (Image credit: Getty Images)

Fresh Meadow Country Club: This course in Queens, New York, hosted the US Open in 1932 but when the land was sold in 1946 the club and its members had to move. The new course wasn't up to standard for the US Open.

North Shore: This Illinois venue was good enough for the US Open in 1933, but has since been deemed too short. It does, however, play host to US Open qualifying events.

Philadelphia Country Club: Just before World War II broke out, this course hosted the US Open for its one and only time. The club prefers to accomodate for members rather than adapting to the needs of the Majors.

Colonial Country Club: Many of you will be familiar with this iconic venue at Fort Worth, which is home to the Charles Schwab Challenge each year and considered as one of the best on the PGA Tour. When the club was told it was too short for the US Open, it opted to focus on its annual competition instead.

St. Louis: Simply put, the 6,452-yard course is far below the minimum requirements for the US Open.

Northwood Club: If you've ever been to Texas in the summer, you'll have a good idea as to why they don't host the US Open there anymore. It's simply too hot.

Bellerive Country Club: After hosting the 1965 US Open, Bellerive pivoted to align with the PGA and has now hosted the PGA Championship in 1992 and 2018.

Atlanta Athletic Club (Image credit: Gary Kellner)

Champions Golf Club: After serving its hosting duties in 1969, this Texas course was judged not to be up to standard for the US Open when it comes to distance and challenge for players.

Atlanta Athletic Club: Much like Bellerive, the Atlanta Athletic Club decided to collaborate with the PGA instead of the USGA and has now hosted the PGA Championship three times. It was last seen in 2011 when Keegan Bradley sealed his maiden Major title.

Joaquin Niemann Receives Two-Stroke Penalty For 'Serious Misconduct' At US Open

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:33:48 +0000

Joaquin Niemann has become the first golfer to receive a penalty for breaking the new code of conduct policy introduced into the 2026 Majors.

The LIV Golf star was assessed two penalty strokes for throwing a club on the 6th hole during round one of the US Open, with the USGA stating the act "was determined to be serious misconduct under Rule 1.2b."

Niemann made a nine on the par 4 6th in round one, which was upped to an 11 with his code of conduct penalty. The Chilean drove two balls out of bounds to the right, and eventually signed for an eight-over-par 78.

The Athletic's Gabby Herzig reported that Niemann was "visibly angry" when trying to get a free drop from fire ants before kicking a flag that a volunteer had placed in the ground to mark his ball's location. He "continued to kick around the sand" and threw his iron "approximately 50 yards," Herzig says, with a police officer retrieving it for him.

Just talked to a volunteer, Tristan Chang, who witnessed Joaquin Niemann’s club throw that cost him a two-shot penalty:-After hitting two balls OB, Niemann tried to get free relief from fire ants (to no avail) from where his third drive ended up in the fescue -Got visibly…June 19, 2026

"Yeah, I mean, I hit it two times out of bounds on the right, two bad swings. Then, yeah, got pretty frustrated," Niemann said after his second round.

"I'm not someone that like to be in that behavior. I'm the first one to judge myself when I don't behave on the golf course.

"Yeah, that was a misbehave from my part. I felt like a little bit extra penalized with two-shot penalty, but I think it is what it is. I think I'm going to learn from it. It definitely kind of helped me a little bit to have a better round today."

Rule 1.2b states:

The Committee may set its own standards of player conduct in a Code of Conduct adopted as a Local Rule.

The Code may include penalties for breach of its standards, such as a one-stroke penalty or the general penalty.

The Committee may also disqualify a player for serious misconduct in failing to meet the Code’s standards.

The code of conduct policy has been a hot topic in 2026, with Robert MacIntyre and Sergio Garcia each receiving warnings at The Masters in April.

The PGA of America’s chief championships officer, Kerry Haigh, spoke about it at the PGA Championship last month, where he said the new rules came about after several meetings between the PGA, Augusta National, The R&A, and the USGA, as well as the PGA and DP World Tours, in which they discussed "how to come up with a program that we feel is fair and effective".

"If a player does something egregious, then, unfortunately, we would give a warning to that player," Haigh explained.

"And if they were to do it again, there would be a two-shot penalty."

"We've been working closely with the organisers of the other Majors and the tours more broadly," R&A CEO Mark Darbon said earlier this year.

"I would expect to see a similar policy introduced this summer."

Golf Monthly understands it is a three-strike system that carries over throughout the tournament, with a warning moving onto a two-stroke penalty and then disqualification for a third breach.

The USGA confirmed to Golf Monthly that Niemann did not receive a warning prior to his penalty, citing: 'Serious Misconduct: If a player’s (or their caddie’s) behavior is so far removed from what is expected in the spirit of the game of golf, in accordance with Rule 1.2b, the Chief Referee, in consultation with the Championship Director, may apply a penalty of two strokes or disqualification, taking account of the frequency, impact, intent and severity of the misconduct.'

Eight-time LIV Golf winner Niemann will need a strong second round to make the cut at Shinnecock Hills. He is playing in his seventh US Open this week, with his best finish of T23 coming back in 2020 at Winged Foot.

Niemann has a perplexing Major record with just one top-10, coming at the 2025 PGA Championship, from 27 starts.

'It's Just Weird How Soft The Greens Are' - What The Players Are Saying About The US Open Setup

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:02:07 +0000

The setup has been the big story at Shinnecock Hills this week, with high forecasted winds throwing a spanner into the works for the USGA's US Open plans.

Shinnecock is one of the toughest courses in the game and controversial 2004 and 2018 US Opens at the venue, where the USGA was accused of 'losing' the golf course, mean the organizers have erred on the safe side this week.

They've done that by keeping the turf in good health and syringing the greens every day as well as slowing them down. With speeds of just 10.5 on the stimpmeter, the 2026 US Open greens are the slowest in over 30 years.

High winds came as expected on Thursday but a two-hour fog delay meant the afternoon starters played slightly later in the day and benefitted from some more benign conditions.

Wyndham Clark, who only completed 16 holes on day one, reached six-under-par to take an early four-stroke lead.

Players were slightly perplexed at how soft the greens were, with some wedge shots resulting in balls spinning back off of the putting surfaces - a rarity in US Opens when greens tend to be extremely firm.

The winds still led to extremely difficult conditions, as Shinnecock Hills is tough even on a good day, but once winds died down the course was much more playable for the later starters.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

So, what were the players saying?

On the whole, they seemed happy. Dustin Johnson, who played in the afternoon, admitted he had benefitted from the better conditions, while morning starters seemed to think the USGA had done a good job to keep the course playable in such high winds.

Here's a collection of views from some of the US Open competitors:

Brooks Koepka (morning):

"Yeah, the conditions were tough. It's just weird how soft the greens are. It's just odd. It's not what I remember.

"I mean, I understand why they're soft, I get that. It's not complaining. It's just a difficult day."

Dustin Johnson (afternoon):

"Obviously toward the last hour we played, the wind laid down a little bit. With the course being quite soft, it definitely played a little bit easier.

"But at the start of the day, it was playing very, very difficult.

"Obviously we got maybe a little fortunate there towards the end just because the wind did lay down just a hair for us, but it still played tough, so I had to hit good shots."

Rory McIlroy (morning):

"Look, the greens are pretty slow and quite receptive. I think they need to be at this point. It's a challenging golf course already, and you put 30-mile-an-hour winds on top of it, it tests the best players in the world pretty well.

"I think they were prudent with the course setup, and I think especially with starting with 156 the first two days, you just want to get everyone around without too much issue. They've set the course up for that, at least today."

Scottie Scheffler (morning):

"I would say the greens were maybe a little softer than I expected, but I think with the wind that was forecasted, you always want to err on the side of caution. I think the last thing that they wanted was having balls blowing off greens. So they might have put a little extra juice on them last night to slow them down.

"Most of the greens have all been fine. I think there's a couple greens where there's so much pitch that you get the wind going down the slope, it can roll off pretty easily.

"I would say it was probably maybe a little softer than I thought. Just I had imagined it would be firm and slow, I guess."

Sam Stevens (morning):

"Yeah, it's an awesome place. It's visually very appealing. I know it's played really hard here in the past, but they've kind of known this Thursday was going to be pretty windy. So the greens haven't been too firm, the fairways haven't been too firm.

"So I've really felt like it's pretty scoreable. Obviously it's difficult, but overall it's an awesome place. I think the setup's great right now."

Tommy Fleetwood (morning):

"It's about as bare as you can probably get it. I was surprised on Monday the course was very, very soft and slow, but they clearly judged it perfectly, and I think today - well, hardly anybody would want to play it any harder than what it was.

"Yeah, I think they did an amazing job of making it as fair as you could possibly make a test of golf today with the conditions that they had. Yeah, they did great."

Wyndham Clark (afternoon):

"I would say when I got my tee times on Tuesday, I was like, oh, could be a tough draw. That two-hour fog delay was very helpful, and it was really nice it laid down. So it definitely helped those last six, seven holes we played."

What are you making of the 2026 US Open setup? Join the conversation in the comments section below.

Wyndham Clark Off To Hot Start At US Open After Signing Putter Deal

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:08:11 +0000

Wyndham Clark is off to a fast start at the US Open to continue his impressive recent form, and a key part of his rise up to 4th in the FedEx Cup rankings has been a putter switch.

The 2023 US Open champion moved into a Ping Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue Onset model at the Houston Open, and he has a win and a third-place since having gone completely winless in 2025.

In his CJ Cup Byron Nelson victory, Clark set the Strokes Gained: Putting record for a PGA Tour event, gaining more than 12.5 shots on the field for the week. In his final-round 60, he holed 158 feet of putts.

Clark is an equipment free agent through the bag so has the freedom to choose whatever clubs he wants, but he has now signed a putter deal with Ping after the success of his new flat stick.

(Image credit: Ping)

The 32-year-old signed to exclusively play the Scottsdale TEC line, which was released earlier this year and features an eye-catching white finish. Kristoffer Reitan also used one to win the Truist Championship, so it has been a very successful start to tour life for the new range.

“Since switching to the Ping Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue Onset putter in April, I’ve seen significant improvement in my putting and I credit the new putter for helping me get back in the winner’s circle,” Clark said.

“The white finish first got my attention and when I started rolling putts with it, it set up easily, and gave me immediate confidence. I’d never used a putter with onset before, so it was a new look for me that really matches my eye.

"The onset combined with the top-rail dot simplifies alignment and my consistency has improved. I’m sinking more long putts than ever.”

Clark’s custom-built Scottsdale TEC Ally Blue Onset putter measures 38 inches and includes a 17" Superstroke Zenergy 3.0 grip.

The head weighs approximately 400 grams according to Ping, with Clark's model featuring a lie angle of 20 degrees and the 3 degrees of loft.

Wyndham Clark What's in the bag? CJ Cup winning clubs
Club	Head	Shaft
Driver	TaylorMade Qi4D (9°)	Project X Titan Black 70 TX
Fairway Wood	TaylorMade Qi4D (15°) Ping G440 Max (21°)	Project X Titan Black 80 TX Project X HZRDUS Smoke Blue RDX 80 TX
Irons	Titleist T100 (4-9)	True Temper Dynamic Golf X7
Wedges	Titleist Vokey SM10 (46°, 52°, 56°, 60°)	True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400
Putter	Ping Scottsdale Tec Ally Blue Onset
Ball	Titleist Pro V1x
Apparel	Municipal
Glove	FootJoy
Shoes	FootJoy

US Open 2026 Round Two Tee Times And Pairings: Updated Start Times Due To Delay

elliott.heath@futurenet.com (Elliott Heath) — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:40:33 +0000

We've made it to day two of the 2026 US Open and there are still a number of players left to complete their opening rounds at Shinnecock Hills after a two-hour fog delay on Thursday.

It means leader Wyndham Clark has two holes to complete on Friday morning, with the 2023 US Open champion currently six-under-par after 16 holes and four clear of the field.

Because of the delay, tee times have been pushed back 15 minutes on Friday. Hopefully we see no fog and can complete the second round in what is set to be a very busy, long and entertaining day two in New York.

Clark will go back out early for his second round, with the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm among the big names in the early wave.

In the morning wave, Aaron Rai and Collin Morikawa in the 7.34am tee time will play as a two ball after Jason Day withdrew after 10 holes of round one.

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler go out later in the afternoon wave.

Take a look at all of the US Open second round tee times:

US Open round 2 tee times:

(All times local EDT)

1st tee: morning wave

6.50am: William Mouw, Ryder Cowan (a), Hennie du Plessis
7.01am: Adrien Saddier, Jackson Van Paris, Ugo Coussaud
7.12am: Neal Shipley, Matti Schmid, Bud Cauley
7.23am: Pierceson Coody, Zac Blair, Kevin Roy
7.34am: Aaron Rai, Collin Morikawa
7.45am: Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick
7.56am: Dustin Johnson, Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland
8.07am: Joaquin Niemann, Alex Smalley, Shane Lowry
8.18am: Akshay Bhatia, Carlos Ortiz, Min Woo Lee
8.29am: Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm
8.40am: Ben Kohles, Johnny Keefer, Matt McCarty
8.51am: Angel Hidalgo, Mateo Pulcini (a), Spencer Tibbits
9.02am: Matthew Robles (a), Jake Sollon, Manav Shah

1st tee: afternoon wave

12.45pm: Chandler Phillips, Harry Higgs, Hamilton Coleman (a)
12.56pm: Nathan Kimsey, Jackson Herrington (a), Cooper Dossey
1.07pm: Peter Uihlein, Eric Lee (a), Sam Stevens
1.18pm: Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Ben Silverman, Emiliano Grillo
1.29pm: Patrick Rodgers, Keith Mitchell, Graeme McDowell
1.40pm: Sungjae Im, Lucas Herbert, Kristoffer Reitan
1.51pm: Sam Burns, Tyrrell Hatton, Si Woo Kim
2.02pm: Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, Tommy Fleetwood
2.13pm: Alex Noren, Maverick McNealy, Sepp Straka
2.24pm: Max Greyserman, Brian Harman, Jacob Bridgeman
2.35pm: Alex Fitzpatrick, Tom Kim, Ben James
2.46pm: Brandon Holtz (a), Ryuichi Oiwa, Dylan Wu
2.57pm: Greyson Leach, Logan Reilly (a), Robbie Higgins

10th tee: morning wave

6.50am: Niklas Norgaard, Rocco Repetto Taylor, Sudarshan Yellamaraju
7.01am: Laurie Canter, John Parry, Bryan Lee (a)
7.12am: Chris Kirk, Max McGreevy, Jake Knapp
7.23am: Harry Hall, Michael Brennan, Andrew Putnam
7.34am: Davis Thompson, Preston Stout (a), David Puig
7.45am: Ryo Hisatsune, Corey Conners, Ryan Fox
7.56am: Ryan Gerard, Russell Henley, Ben Griffin
8.07am: Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama, Xander Schauffele
8.18am: Nicolai Hojgaard, Nico Echavarria, Robert MacIntyre
8.29am: JT Poston, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel
8.40am: Arni Sveinsson (a), Taihei Sato, Marcelo Rozo
8.51am: Nick Hardy, Cole Hammer, Jack Schoenberger
9.02am: Marek Fleming (a), TK Kim, Giuseppe Puebla (a)

10th tee: afternoon wave

12.45pm: James Nicholas, Taylor Montgomery, Caleb Surratt
12.56pm: Ethan Fang (a), Jayden Schaper, Jackson Suber
1.07pm: Chase Kyes (a), Matthew Jordan, Alejandro Tosti
1.18pm: Carl Yuan, Brandon Wu, Jimmy Stanger
1.29pm: Padraig Harrington, Miles Russell (a), Cameron Smith
1.40pm: Brooks Koepka, Cameron Young, Chris Gotterup
1.51pm: Daniel Berger, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler
2.02pm: Patrick Reed, Andrew Novak, Kurt Kitayama
2.13pm: Harris English, Adam Scott, Nick Taylor
2.24pm: Mason Howell (a), Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun
2.35pm: Sahith Theegala, Jackson Koivun (a), Michael Kim
2.46pm: JB Holmes, Filippo Celli, Jackson Ormond (a)
2.57pm: Jake Peacock, Vaughn Harber (a), Kaito Onishi

US Open day 2 TV times and channels

US (ET): 6.30am-1.30pm (NBC Sports Network, Peacock); 1.30pm-7.30pm (NBC); 7.30pm-8.30pm (NBC Sports Network, Peacock)
UK (BST): 12.30pm-12.30pm (Sky Sports Golf) & 6.30pm-12.30pm (Sky Sports Main Event)
Australia (AEST): 8.30pm-10am (Fox Sports 503/Kayo)
Canada (ET): 6.30am-8pm (TSN5)

Bryson DeChambeau Launches Incredible 427-Yard Tee Shot During First Round Of US Open

Jakob Barnes — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:03:53 +0000

Bryson DeChambeau is eager to make amends for his recent performances at Major championships, and his start at the US Open is doing just that.

After missing the cut at The Masters and PGA Championship, questions had been asked of DeChambeau...

However, one thing that is certainly not in doubt is his ability to hit a phenomenal tee shot, and he delivered just that once again at Shinnecock Hills.

There's still plenty of golf to play this week, but DeChambeau can be proud of a birdie he made on the 12th hole in New York, named Tuckahoe due to the road running through it.

The 32-year-old bombed a driver from the tee box right down the fairway, bouncing across the aforementioned road, and saw the shot roll out to a whopping 427 yards.

That left him just 45 yards from the pin on the par 4 and, after using his wedge to get on the green, DeChambeau sank his birdie attempt to move under-par.

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DeChambeau has a new TaylorMade driver in his bag this week at Shinnecock, and it looks like it's serving him well so far.

He would follow that up with another birdie on the 13th, but dropped a shot after misjudging his approach shot to the green on the 15th, before then recording another bogey after sending his putt wide on the 16th..

It's worth noting, that the 427-yard shot narrowly missed out on becoming DeChambeau's longest-ever drive by just one yard. He previously hit a 428-yard drive at the Travelers Championship back in 2020.

Shinnecock Hills Hole Names: From Ben Nevis To Redan And Thom's Elbow

Jakob Barnes — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:35:40 +0000

The US Open has returned to Shinnecock Hills in New York this week, with the course presenting an especially challenging proposition for players.

With the course's infamous undulating greens coupled with strong winds forecasted, it's set to be an unpredictable few days of golf for those competing in the US Open.

But, for those watching the US Open at home, it will be very entertaining indeed. And, if you want to get the most out of that experience, you really should acquaint yourself with the ins and outs of the course.

Throughout the world of golf, there are top courses with iconic holes. One immediately thinks of Amen Corner (holes 11-13) at Augusta National, or the iconic 18th at St. Andrews, or the island-green 17th at TPC Sawgrass.

However, Shinnecock Hills has 18 holes that all deserve a mention in their own right. So much so, in fact, that they all have their own names - something fairly common in golf and also seen at Augusta.

So, here's a rundown of them all and details as to what each hole offers up for players.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The course itself comes out at approximately 7,440 yards and is a par 70. It's comprised of four par-3 holes, just two par-5 holes, and 12 par-4s.

Hole 9, a 482-yard par-4 by the name of Ben Nevis, is one of the star attractions at Shinnecock Hills.

As you may guess from the fact it shares a name with the tallest mountain in the UK, the ninth is a high, undulating hole with a green which stands a good 50ft above the tee box. What's great about this topographical adventure is that it comes on the back of eight holes that are relatively flat, so it's a nice shock for players heading into the turn.

That's not to say that the front nine is easy to that point. There's hole 3, a 501-yard beast of a par-4 called Peconic (named after the bay the hole overlooks), which is prone to serving up tricky lies, an awkward right-to-left angle, and a green with a deceptive false front.

Hole 5, named Montauk in reference to the end of the Long Island peninsula, is another lengthy one at 592 yards, though that is compensated by the fact it's a par-5. A cleverly-placed bunker forces approach shots either side of the green, but short-sided routes are not all that forgiving.

Interestingly, one of the toughest holes on the course is actually a par-3, with hole 7 (named Redan, meaning a very specific and widely replicated design) proving a formidable challenge thanks to its complex green. With a slope from front-right to back-left and extremely deep bunkers surrounding, the margin for error on Redan is miniscule. This is a classic case of a template golf hole, riffing on the design of the original 15th hole at North Berwick Golf Club in Scotland.

The back nine is no less daunting. Hole 11, Hill Head, is affectionately known as the shortest par-5 in America; it's actually a par-3, but it's so difficult because of blind spots and a tiny safe zone. It gets its name due to just how elevated the green is, which makes sense.

Brooks Koepka knows all about the challenge there, having decided landing in the greenside bunker was more sensible than attacking the flag in 2018.

I personally really like the look of the 14th, named Thom's Elbow, inspired by Scottish golf pro Charlie Thom, who spent 55 years playing at this course. It's a par-4 standing at a huge 520 yards, and while it's not a hole I'd enjoy playing, watching the pros take on this bunker-laden fairway leading to a green sitting in between two hills is a real joy.

If you like bunkers, Hole 16, simply named Shinnecock, is the one to watch. There are 20 bunkers strategically placed on this 614-yard hole, with an elevated green and that iconic clubhouse awaiting those who make the journey into the homestretch.

Speaking of, the final hole on the course is aptly-titled Home. However, there's very little to find comforting with this one. The par-4 490-yarder leads to a green that undulates wildly and punishes anyone who misreads it even to an inch.

Other notable hole names include no. 15, Sebonac, which pays homage to the world class course neighboring Shinnecock, and Tuckahoe (hole 12) which is named after the road which splits the course — hence, hole 13 is called simply, Roadside.

Meanwhile the double act of Westward Ho (hole 1) and Eastward Ho (hole 10) were the idea of architect William Flynn, who very much saw the holes as a pair. In fact, Eastward Ho was originally the first hole on the course, before the route was flipped. Eastward Ho is the name of a golf course in Massachusetts, while Westward Ho is a seaside village in North Devon in the UK - home to Royal North Devon Golf Club, the oldest course in England.

Shinnecock Hills hole names
Hole	Name	Par	Yards
1	Westward Ho	4	482
2	Plateau	3	252
3	Peconic	4	501
4	Pump House	4	476
5	Montauk	5	592
6	Pond	4	495
7	Redan	3	187
8	Lowlands	4	440
9	Ben Nevis	4	482
10	Eastward Ho	4	415
11	Hill Head	3	157
12	Tuckahoe	4	469
13	Roadside	4	371
14	Thom's Elbow	4	520
15	Sebonac	4	409
16	Shinnecock	5	614
17	Eden	3	176
18	Home	4	490

'How They Were Going About It Wasn't Fixing It' - Justin Thomas Reacts To Governing Bodies' Rollback Delay

Jakob Barnes — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:14:21 +0000

Amid the news that the USGA is shelving plans for a golf ball rollback until 2030, Justin Thomas agreed that decision is for the best.

The game's governing bodies agreed to the rollback U-turn with a joint statement from the USGA and the R&A as well as the PGA Tour and DP World Tour confirming that previous attempts to fix the distance issue in golf needed rethinking.

Now, players are sharing their thoughts on the matter, and Justin Thomas is firmly in the camp of those who are happy with the news.

The new, more patient and collaborative approach to testing golf balls and ensuring a fairer, more unified sport across the board is naturally a hot topic among those competing at the US Open this week.

Asked about the move, Thomas told Golf Channel: "It's great. I was very excited when I heard. I think all the players were.

"The players and the USGA have had their differences over the years, but they'd be crazy to think differently after talking to the players.

"It's about realizing what's going on and understanding... the idea of things needing to be done isn't incorrect, but how they were going about it wasn't fixing it."

"I was very excited when I heard... The thought of things potentially needing to be done isn't incorrect, but just how they were going about it wasn't fixing it."Justin Thomas commends the updated rollback plan that integrates more collaboration with the Tours and their players… pic.twitter.com/XOTz6qgM6YJune 17, 2026

Explaining why the rollback was doomed to fail, at least in its previous iteration, Thomas added: "The problem with people hitting it too far... if I hit it ten yards shorter overnight, I'm not going to hit 3-wood I'm just going to hit driver.

"I'm actually going to try and hit it further because I'm hitting it shorter. If anything, in my opinion, it was making problems worse.

"It was bringing more drivers into people's hands, and that's just how the game is now. We are trained to hit the best with what we've got. If you tell us we'll hit it shorter, we'll find a way to hit it further."

The rollback was always going to be a gamble, and getting it right, no matter how long that takes, is crucial.

The PGA Tour surveyed players about the issue not so long ago, with potential for making its own rules regarding ball testing.

Now, we will see what USGA CEO Mike Whan described as a "small, digestible bite" towards a "simpler, more narrow solution" through collaboration, rather than rules being forced on players that they cannot agree with.

What the solution actually is remains to be seen. Michael Kim believes bifurication is the way forward, with professionals and amateurs using different equipment naturally leading to more skilled "shotmaking" becoming the order of the day. Kim also suggested reducing the number of clubs in the bag from 14 down to 10.

It seems all ideas are now back on the table.

How Fast Are The Greens At Shinnecock Hills During The US Open?

matt.cradock@futurenet.com (Matt Cradock) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:10:19 +0000

The US Open is regarded as the toughest test in golf, with difficult course set-ups often paired with adverse weather conditions.

For 2026, it's no exception, as Shinnecock Hills looks to be playing as tough as ever, with high winds forecast to batter the New York venue throughout the week, as well as possibly rain.

In fact, during the first round, play was suspended for nearly two hours due to fog, with the organizers of the US Open, the USGA, having to take pre-championship precautions consequently.

Because of the high winds, the USGA released a statement to players prior to the first round which read: "Given the probability of high winds on Thursday and Friday, the USGA is planning to syringe putting greens between the morning and afternoon waves both days.

"Syringing involves a very light application of water to hydrate the grass leaf blade to prevent wilt, preserve turf health and reduce stress on the Poa annua putting greens.

"This practice offers a more consistent presentation for players in both the morning and afternoon waves.

"Additionally, our target green speeds have been reduced to the mid-10s on the USGA stimpmeter.

"As the weekend forecast comes more into focus, we will provide any relevant updates on course preparation details."

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Last year, Oakmont's greens were rolling around 14-to-15 on the stimpmeter and, although Shinnecock's greens are also constructed of Poa annua grass, the incoming weather means we won't see the speeds of 2025.

Speaking in the USGA's press conference on Wednesday, Chief Championships Officer, John Bodenhamer, spoke at length about the green speeds and conditions.

Not since 1995 have green speeds at a US Open been in the 10s on the stimpmeter, with Bodenhamer stating: "Putting green speeds, you've heard me say it before, we came into this week maybe 6 or 8 inches, a little bit slower because we wanted to use really good hole locations here at Shinnecock Hills...

"What has changed is the forecast. We arrived here last week; it was pretty docile. We were a little worried about not getting any wind. Well, as of last Thursday night or Friday, that changed significantly.

"As we come into every US Open, we have multiple scenarios, multiple game plans that we can impart depending on the weather. Even daily, our decisions are real-time: hole locations, teeing areas, all of those things...

Bodenhamer (right) speaks to media during a press conference prior to the US Open at Shinnecock Hills (Image credit: Getty Images)

"Thursday, sustained winds throughout the day of 12 to 24. More on the upper end of that with gusts from 24 to 36 miles an hour. When we start to talk about numbers in the mid-30s, that becomes problematic in a number of ways. Golf balls just staying still on the putting green...

"We feel very good that we are not going to have a turf health issue. We have worked very hard, players will tell you, we've kept this golf course hydrated both putting greens and fairways.

"My experience, I've been doing this for almost 40 years with the USGA the last 16, I have never seen a place like Shinnecock Hills when you get those drying conditions.

"This place just dries down like nowhere else I've ever experienced, and we need to watch it and be very careful.

"Green speeds, our target green speeds that we intend to play are mostly in the mid 10s throughout the day. Again, our goal was 11 1/2 to 12."

Who Has Won The Most USGA Titles?

onepaulh@hotmail.com (Paul Higham) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:46:58 +0000

The US Open is the pinnacle of the pro game for the United States Golf Association (USGA), but there are a few other championships for both men and women, pro and amateur, that've been won by the game's legends over the years.

The USGA was formed way back in 1894 by five founding clubs and today helps form the rules of golf alongside the R&A.

And there's a host of tournaments for both pros and amateurs that the USGA runs - such as the US Open, US Women's Open, US Senior Open and US Senior Women's Open for the cream of the professional ranks.

Then there's the US Amateur, Senior and Junior Championships for males and females, plus the Mid-Amateur for those 'career amateur' golfers who aren't the young guns on the fast track to becoming pros.

Throw in the four-ball team competitions and there's plenty of trophies to be won through all phases of a golfer's journey through the game.

But although there's so many various competitions, there are some hugely familiar names at the top of the list of winners of USGA titles.

As both Tiger Woods and Bobby Jones top the standings for multiple USGA winners, with Hall of Fame member JoAnne Carner the top female on the list as Jack Nicklaus, of course, is not too far behind.

You'll find most of the top winners come from further back in golfing history, when progress from the amateur to the paid ranks was not as swift as it is today - where the likes of the PGA Tour University can fast track players directly onto the PGA Tour and the professional game.

That means many top young amateur stars are unable to hoover up as many USGA titles as their predecessors did before entering the cut and thrust world of the pro game - with just then the US Open and later Senior Opens to shoot for.

With Tiger Woods still active, there is a good chance he may be able to take the top spot with a 10th USGA title. The 15-time Major winner, who has three US Junior Amateurs, three US Amateurs and three US Opens, turned 50 in December and is now eligible for the US Senior Open.

Here's how the top of the USGA charts looks...

Most USGA titles in history

Name	Titles	Events
Bobby Jones	9	US Open (1923, 1926, 1929, 1930) US Amateur (1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1930)
Tiger Woods	9	Jr Amateur: 1991, 1992, 1993; US Amateur: 1994, 1995, 1996 US Open: 2000, 2002, 2008
JoAnne Carner	8	Girls' Jr: 1956 Women's Amateur: 1957, 1960, 1962, 1966, 1968 Women's US Open: 1971, 1976
Jack Nicklaus	8	US Amateur: 1959, 1961 US Open: 1962, 1967, 1972, 1980 Senior Open: 1991, 1993
Anne Quast	7	Women's Amateur: 1958, 1961, 1963 Senior Women's Amateur: 1987, 1990, 1992, 1993
Ellen Port	7	Women's Mid-Am: 1995, 1996, 2000, 2011 Senior Women's Am: 2012, 2013, 2016
Carole Semple Thompson	7	Women's Amateur: 1973 Women's Mid-Am: 1990, 1997 Senior Women's Amateur: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Glenna Collett	6	Women's Amateur: 1922, 1925, 1928, 1929, 1930, 1935
Hollis Stacy	6	Girls' Jr: 1969, 1970, 1971 Women's Open: 1977, 1978, 1984

Are Green Speeds Getting Out Of Hand? USGA Chief Says He 'Would Make That Argument'

m_weston@yahoo.com (Michael Weston) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:09:23 +0000

Two stories always form part of a US Open build-up. Will Phil Mickelson finally win his national championship, and how brutal will the course set-up be?

It's possible that we've seen the last of Mickelson at the US Open, with the 56-year-old currently taking some time away from the sport to deal with a private family health matter.

However, just how difficult the United States Golf Association (USGA) decides to make the course will always be one of the biggest talking points, especially when it comes to hosting the Major at somewhere like Shinnecock Hills on Long Island, New York.

Widely considered to be the toughest challenge in the men's game, US Opens are not for the faint-hearted - and the USGA has often been accused of making the challenge unfair.

However, with strong winds forecasted, the USGA has opted to play it safe this week, with the greens set to run at their slowest speed since 1995.

The last time Shinnecock hosted the US Open, in 2018, gusty conditions pushed the first round scoring average to more than six over par.

Come Saturday, the strain started to take effect, with Mickelson resorting to hitting a moving ball to prevent his putt from rolling off the 13th green.

Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer, the man tasked with getting the balance right this week, addressed the contentious topic during the USGA’s pre US Open news conference.

Asked whether "we've gone to far" with green speeds in general across the country, Bodenhamer replied, "I guess I would say yes, I would make that argument.

"But I think every venue has its own culture. It's different."

Bodenhamer added, "I've never seen poa annua putting greens like you see at Oakmont. They're naturally 15. They just are. It might feel something much different somewhere else."

Corey Pavin won the US Open at Shinnecock Hills in 1995 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Many top players favor putting on fast greens, but when they dry out and the wind gets up, they can become unplayable.

The other issue, more so for the fans, is certain pin positions cannot be used.

"I do think that when you go to America's greatest venues, when we're so fast, you can't use some of the hole locations that maybe Bob Jones made a putt or Walter Hagen or some of those great champions," added Bodenhamer.

"That's really what we were endeavoring to do here.

"For us it's a comprehensive test. It's not what happens just on the putting greens with uber-slick greens and some of those things.

"We want to stay with what the architect intended. I think in some places, yes, I would make the argument, not just at a US Open, but across the country to be able to do that, dialing back the green speed is part of that."

Talking more about the game in general, Bodenhamer added: "I don't think speed is the number one consideration for a player, an amateur player, at any level.

"I think smoothness is. You just want a smooth putt. Doesn't necessarily have to be the fastest, and this race to green speed is probably something that the game would benefit, pace would benefit, the experience would benefit if we curb back a little bit.

"I would agree with that."

Bodenhamer said the aim is for the speeds to be "around the mid 10s" throughout the tournament - and they haven't been that slow since Corey Pavin won at Shinnecock Hills over 30 years ago.

The USGA was accused of 'losing the golf course' during the controversial 2004 and 2018 US Opens at the Long Island venue.

Along with slower green speeds and more subtle pin placements, the USGA will syringe the greens during Thursday and Friday - with the plan to add water between the early and later waves of players.

How To Watch US Open 2026: Live Streams & TV Details

woleryproperty@yahoo.co.uk (Roderick Easdale) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:30:00 +0000

Below we have all the info on how to watch the US Open 2026 online and on TV.

US Open golf: key information

• Dates: June 18–21, 2026

• Venue: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, New York., USA

• TV Channels: NBC, USA via Sling / YouTube TV (US) | Sky Sports (UK) | Kayo Sports (Aus)

• Watch from anywhere: Try NordVPN risk-free

Wyndham Clark, the 2023 US Open champion, goes into the final round leading by six strokes. If Clark does not win, he will have created unwelcome history.

The largest 54-hole lead in a US Open by someone who did not go on to win is five shots, by Mike Brady who ended up losing the 1919 US Open in a playoff. The biggest final round deficit overcome by an eventual winner is seven strokes, by Arnold Palmer in 1960.

Clark will be in the final pairing with Scottie Scheffler, who will be going for a career Grand Slam on what is his 30th birthday. The World No.1 is one of four players tired in second, alongside Tom Kim, Sam Stevens and Sahith Theegala.

In this guide, Golf Monthly brings you all the details on how to watch the US Open 2026 online, on TV, and from anywhere in the world.

Watch US Open 2026 on Sling in the US

For US viewers, the base Sling Blue package is one of the cheapest ways to watch the US Open and PGA Tour golf. The plan includes USA Network and NBC (in select areas), plus FS1 for FIFA World Cup games. New users get a discount when joining Sling.View Deal

Can I watch US Open 2026 for free?

Yes – with a free trial. Specifically YouTube TV's free trial, which includes access to both NBC and USA Network – and the Golf Channel, if you fancy catching some of next week's Travelers Championship as well.

Abroad in June and can't access YouTube TV outside the US? Just use a VPN — details below.

US Broadcasting Schedule

All times EDT

Date	Round	US Broadcast
Thu (June 18)	Round 1	6.30am-5pm (USA Network); 5pm-8pm (NBC Sports Network, Peacock)
Fri (June 19)	Round 2	6.30am-1.30pm (NBC Sports Network, Peacock); 1.30pm-7.30pm (NBC); 7.30pm-8.30pm (NBC Sports Network, Peacock)
Sat (June 20)	Round 3	10am-12pm (USA Network); 12pm-8pm (NBC)
Sun (June 21)	Round 4	9am-12pm (USA Network); 12pm-7pm (NBC)

Watch the US Open golf 2026 from anywhere

If you are outside your usual country, you can still access the streaming services you subscribe to, even when you're away from home, thanks to a handy piece of software known as a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network – to give it the full name – can make your devices appear to be in any location, bypassing geo-restrictions so you can watch the things you've signed up for. It's perfect for watching golf from anywhere, and it comes with a host of internet security benefits, too.

Our expert colleagues over at TechRadar have tested loads of VPNs and they reckon NordVPN is the best VPN provider out there right now.

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How to watch the US Open 2026 in the US

In the US this week, TV coverage for the Us Open n Tournament is spread across NBC, USA Network, and NBCSN

ESPN Select (PGA TOUR LIVE) is not showing this tournament which is run by the USGA not the PGA Tour. But you can access the live coverage through cord-cutting services like Sling (cheapest monthly price), YouTube TV (free trial) and Hulu + Live TV.

You can find the full TV schedule above.

How to watch US Open 2026 in the UK

The US Open will be available on Sky Sports in the UK. The action will be shown on the dedicated golf channel, Sky Sports Golf, with some of the play also being shown on Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Main Event.

Prices start at £22/month for Sky Sports on top of an existing Sky TV plan, while you can also stream all the action on NOW Sports. Prices start at £14.99/day.

Need to know more? Check out our dedicated how to watch golf in the UK page.

How to watch US Open 2026 in Canada

TSN in Canada is showing the US Open Tournament this week, with linear coverage of Thursday’s action on TSN2, Friday and Saturday’s play on TSN5 and Sunday’s action on TSN3. It will also be streamed online on TSN.ca and on the TSN App.

All of the action, plus Featured Groups and Marquee Group coverage, can be live streamed on TSN+. Prices start at $8/month and rise all the way to $80 for a full annual plan.

How to watch US Open 2026 in Australia

In Australia you can watch the US Open on Fox Sports and Kayo. Fox Sports will carry TV coverage on Fox Sports 503, while Kayo Sports will offer live streaming of all four days and Fox Sports 505 carrying the Featured Group coverage.

Kayo Sports plans start at AU$30/month, though you can get a 7-day trial for just AU$1.

How to watch in the Rest of the World

The US Open golf tournament is broadcast across six continents. Here is a list of local broadcasters of the US Open golf in 2026.

US Open Leaders' Tee Times: Final Round

Times in EDT (BST). (a) denotes amateur. Scores to par after 54 holes in brackets

11.57am (4.57pm): Ryo Hisatsune (+3), Gary Woodland (+3)
12.13pm (5.13pm): Akshay Bhatia (+3), Rory McIlroy (+3)
12.24pm (5.24pm): Maverick McNealy (+3), Brian Harman (+3)
12.35pm (5.35pm): Zac Blair (+3), Aaron Rai (+3)
12.46pm (5.46pm): John Parry (+3), JT Poston (+3)
12.57pm (5.57pm): Sungjae Im (+3), Michael Kim (+3)
1.08pm (6.08pm): Ryder Cowan (a) (+2), Alex Fitzpatrick (+2)
1.19pm (6.19pm): Corey Conners (+2), Keegan Bradley (+2)
1.35pm (6.35pm): Matt Fitzpatrick (+1), Collin Morikawa (+1)
1.46pm (6.46pm): Tommy Fleetwood (+1), Xander Schauffele (level)
1.57pm (6.57pm): Sam Burns (level), Keith Mitchell (level)
2.08pm (7.08pm): Emiliano Grillo (level), Sam Stevens (-1)
2.19pm (7.19pm): Tom Kim (-1), Sahith Theegala (-1)
2.30pm (7.30pm): Scottie Scheffler (-1), Wyndham Clark (-7)

Format

The final US Open field is 156-strong, whittled down, through local and final qualifying and exemptions, from the 10,201 golfers who entered. (Any golfer, professional or amateur, whose Handicap Index® does not exceed 0.4. was able to enter.)

The tournament is played as a 72-hole strokeplay event with a 36-hole cut to the low 60 and ties. In the event of a tie for the lead after 72 holes, a two-hole aggregate playoff will take place following on from the conclusion of the fourth round. If still level after this, the playoff is continued as sudden death.

Preview

Were Scheffler to win, he would become the seventh man to complete the career Grand Slam of all four Major titles. But he has not won a tournament since January.

Rory McIlroy completed the Grand Slam last year, and he already has a Major win this season, at the Masters, where Scheffler was runner up. Rory’s first Major win was at the US Open in 2011, but he is yet to win it again. Last season’s T19 finish in this event was the first time in seven years he had not been in the top 10, and he was runner up in 2023 and 2024.

Shinnecock Hills opened in 1891 and is the only course to host US Opens in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

The last time the US Open was here, in 2018, Brooks Koepka won, at one over par. The runner up was Tommy Fleetwood. The popular Englishman has yet to win a Major, but set the course record 63 in the final round that year.

Brooks Koepka’s win at Shinnecock Hills gave him back-to-back US Open titles. JJ Spaun will be hoping history repeats, having won at Oakmont Country Club last year.

US Open 2026 TV Schedule

Sunday 21st June - Round Four:
US (ET): 9am-12pm (USA Network); 12pm-7pm (NBC)
UK (BST): 4pm-12am (Sky Sports Golf) & 6pm-12am (Sky Sports Main Event)
Australia (AEST): 11pm-9am (Fox Sports 503/ Kayo)
Canada (ET): 9am-7pm (TSN3)

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

How Many Players Entered The 2026 US Open?

jonny.leighfield@futurenet.com (Jonny Leighfield) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:35:41 +0000

The US Open, famously, is the most accessible of all four men's Major championships and regularly welcomes the highest number of entries each year.

From recent former winners to humble amateurs with a dream and handicap index of no worse than +0.4, the final tee sheet of 156 golfers begins as a much higher number.

There are 25 different exemption categories plus local and final qualifying to sort who makes it in, where stories like Orville Moody winning the 1969 US Open after coming through two stages of qualifying and Michael Campbell progressing through Walton Heath in 2005 before winning at Pinehurst can happen.

And it's through qualifying that most of the accepted entries begin their journey. There are 109 18-hole local qualifiers in the months before the US Open, with around 1,000 players then battling it out over 36 holes in final qualifying on Golf's Longest Day.

Talking about the qualification process, USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer said earlier this year: “The US Open’s two-stage qualifying process provides thousands of professional and amateur golfers worldwide an opportunity to earn their spot in the field.

"There continues to be tremendous interest in competing in our national championship as we nearly set another record with entries.”

Over 10,000 golfers entered the 2026 US Open

The 2026 US Open was, remarkably, just one entry away from equalling last year's record.

This time around, 10,201 players - which includes reigning champion JJ Spaun and each of the world's top-50 as of mid-April - submitted their names in a bid to play Shinnecock Hills.

It was the fifth time in US Open history that the number of entries exceeded 10,000, with at least one person applying from each of the 50 states in America. Almost 400 entries were received from the home state of New York.

In addition, players from 49 foreign countries provided an application alongside golfers from Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and the United States Armed Forces.

The ages of entrants ranged from 13 to 71 years old, with the first person to apply being Jonathan Kaplan - an amateur from Powell, Ohio on February 18.

Almost two months later, Clark Van Gaalen from Turlock, California submitted his entry just 61 seconds before the deadline.

With the 156-player field now finalized, it's time to see who emerges as the last man standing at Shinnecock Hills.

USGA To Play It Safe With US Open Setup Ahead Of Strong Forecasted Winds At Shinnecock Hills

onepaulh@hotmail.com (Paul Higham) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 18:14:50 +0000

The USGA is usually plotting rapid putting greens and devilish pin placements for the US Open, but this week at Shinnecock Hills it's all about slowing things down and ensuring playability with an ominous weather forecast.

Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer was in the unusual position of talking about slowing the green speeds down and watering the putting surfaces during the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday at his pre-US Open press conference.

After being accused of 'losing the golf course' during the controversial 2004 and 2018 US Opens at the Long Island venue, the USGA is taking no chances this time around, with heavy winds expected and Shinnecock Hills being a course that "dries out like nowhere else I've ever been" according to Bodenhamer.

Massively undulating greens are the big danger at Shinnecock Hills, and Bodenhamer knows if they're too dry with the wind forecast they could become unplayable. So he revealed the aim is for the speeds to be "around the mid 10s" throughout the tournament - that's the slowest green speeds at the US Open since 1995.

"We reflected on 2018 and learned a lot from 2018," said Bodenhamer, adding that the "green speeds will be slower so we can use good pin placements" during the tournament.

"Coming here, 10.5 wasn't our aim, we wanted them to run at 11.5 to 12 but with the wind we've had to slow them down to make sure we're able to play."

Along with slower green speeds and more subtle pin placements, the USGA will syringe the greens during the first two rounds - with the plan to add water between the early and later waves of players.

US Open tee times have been moved forward 10 minutes to allow for a light watering, which is aimed at not only keeping the putting surfaces healthy, but also ensuring it's more fair for the entire field.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Shinnecock will play exactly the same length as it did back in 2018, but with wider fairways the USGA says it will play more like William Flynn's original design for the first time in the US Open.

"It's a breezy links course," explained Bodenhamer, with players having links-style options around the greens with tight run-offs giving them "a multiple choice examination" with options for getting up and down.

"I think the wind this week will impact us more than any other US Open," said Bodenhamer, with the clear message being the USGA will play it as safe as possible to avoid any drama.

"Let this week be about one of the great cathedrals of the game and these great players, that's what we want the story to be."

USGA being careful with gusts expected

Shinnecock had to be watered during the 2004 US Open (Image credit: Getty Images)

"We began to pivot last Friday night when we began to see the wind forecast," said Bodenhamer, when explaining that this is very much a Plan B for the week in a response to the weather conditions.

"We think we're looking at a US Open, who knows, with the potential to be much like 1992 was at Pebble Beach when Tom Kite won in that wind-swept final round.

"We think Thursday could look a little bit like that with what we're seeing in the forecast...with gusts from 24 to 36 miles an hour. When we start to talk about numbers in the mid-30s, that becomes problematic in a number of ways. Golf balls just staying still on the putting green.

"Some of the models that we're working show winds reaching as high as over 40 miles per hour. We hope that doesn't happen. We're preparing for all that we can."

And it's not just the wind speeds to deal with: "We have really taken the wind direction into account and where we can position those hole locations in places that will account for the wind but will also give us our best chance so we can just play in those types of winds."

There's also a period of strong winds forecast between 2pm-5pm on Saturday that Bodenhamer says the USGA are concerned about, especially where the wind will blow from back to front on some of the more diifcult greens.

Par no longer the target for US Open

Brooks Koepka won the 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills on one over (Image credit: Getty Images)

The weather has prompted this softer approach, but even without the wind Bodenhamer says he always wanted to hold back on setting up the course.

"We could brutalize this place the next few days if we wanted to," he said. "That's not what we're about. We really want it to be fair, and we want it to be what Shinnecock Hills has always been. It will be tough enough."

And although the USGA had always prided itself and producing a course where par would be a winning score - that's no longer the case.

"It's not about par is a winning score. Maybe it used to be years ago. It is not anymore. What do we endeavor to do? It's about getting every club in the bag dirty. We want to examine every part of their game.

"It's just not the way we think anymore. It's not about even par or five-under. We look at score, it's a metric.

"It's something we do consider, but the way we thought about it in not lengthening and not narrowing, let Shinnecock be what it's supposed to be. And if it's not good enough, we shouldn't come here. Those shot values are good enough.

"Could we lengthen? Yeah, we could, 300-plus yards. We chose not to because we think it's good enough."

Brooks Koepka Injury Not 100% But 'Good Enough' As He Fancies His Chances Of US Open Repeat

onepaulh@hotmail.com (Paul Higham) — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 09:56:36 +0000

The hand injury that forced Brooks Koepka out of last week's RBC Canadian Open is not quite 100% again, but "good enough" for him to fancy his chances of repeating his US Open success at Shinnecock Hills again.

Koepka claimed the 2018 US Open title at the Long Island venue and, despite suffering a hand injury just before his return, feels his game is as good now as it was then - during his famous period of Major dominance.

The five-time Major champion has been in sparkling form with his iron play all season, and after continually struggling with the putter looked to have sorted it out in Toronto until a nerve problem in his hand forced him out of the tournament.

Koepka played nine holes at Shinnecock Hills on Tuesday and although his grip strength is still not back to normal, he says his injury is "getting better day by day" and is looking forward to the week.

Koepka has been having physio on what he says is "the ulnar nerve, just flared up a little bit" in Toronto and impared his ability to grip the club with a numbing sensation in his ring and pinkie finger.

"Excited to be able to hold a golf club again," said Koepka as he spoke to the media at Shinnecock Hills. "I don't think the grip strength is a hundred percent, but it's good enough.

"It's fine. There's no pain. There's absolutely no pain, which is kind of the weirdest part of this whole thing.

"I'd almost prefer there was a little bit of pain. It would make sense why this hurts and that doesn't. It just feels like you hit your funny bone all the time."

Brooks Koepka gives an update on his hand injury: "It's getting better day by day. I would say yesterday was pretty much how it was Sunday, but today there was quite a bit of improvement. I don't think I would have gone out and played if it wasn't."I think it's just the ulnar… pic.twitter.com/87DFY86hsuJune 16, 2026

Koepka described how the injury impacted his swing, but that he has full movement back now, if not with full grip strength again.

"The movement's fine. I can do everything," he said. "It's literally just my ring finger and pinkie finger were just kind of - at the transition coming down, they would come off. It felt like they were coming off the golf club, but they were just very weak.

"Then as soon as impact would come with the turf interaction, it felt like it was fully off."

Koepka playing 'just as good' as 2018

Brooks Koepka won back-to-back US Opens and back-to-back PGA Championships (Image credit: Getty Images)

Koepka managed to navigate one of the toughest US Open tests at Shinnecock Hills in 2018 when at the very top of his powers.

His iron play has been elite this season but his putting was poor, until he hit his stride in Canada with a superb display on the greens that saw him ranked No.1 in the field after two rounds.

A change of flat sticks, switching to a mallet at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson finally paid off in Canada after relentless practice at home and a change in mental approach.

And if Koepka can replicate that putting display at Shinnecock, then he might just have a chance of back-to-back victories at the venue - as long as his injury holds.

"I feel just as good," he said when asked about his game compared to 2018. "I think ball striking is even better than what it's been. Putting, I had a great week putting last week. I'm excited for the challenge.

"This course can be quite difficult. You're going to have to be creative around this place and really, really work on your angles coming in. I'm excited about it, and the game feels good."

Who Are the Past Winners At Shinnecock Hills?

Mike Hall — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:52:57 +0000

In 2026, the US Open heads to a course that, since 2018, has been tied with Merion and Olympic Club, for the number of editions hosted, with five.

Long Island’s Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is the oldest incorporated country club in the US. It was founded in 1891, and within five years, it had hosted the US Amateur, which was won by Scot HJ Whigham.

Other big events since have included the 1900 US Women’s Amateur, which Frances Griscom won, and the 1967 US Senior Amateur, where Ray Palmer won the title.

It was also the venue for the USA’s triumph over Great Britain & Ireland at the 1977 Walker Cup.

However, it will perhaps forever be most associated with the US Open.

In 2026, it will join Winged Foot, Pebble Beach and Oakland Hills as a six-time US Open venue, while it will host the Major for the seventh time in 2036.

But which other players have conquered the links-style layout, and in one of the biggest events in the game? Here are the details…

James Foulis (1896)

Shinnecock Hills didn’t just host the US Amateur in 1896. That year, it also hosted the second edition of the US Open.

At the event, Scot James Foulis won his only Major title when he beat Horace Rawlins by three.

Back then, the US Open was held over just two rounds, with rounds of 78 and 74 proving enough for Foulis.

The tournament didn’t have anything like the prestige it has now in those days. In fact, it was considered secondary to the US Amateur at that time. There was also only a small field at the event, with just 35 starting and 28 completing all 36 holes.

Raymond Floyd (1986)

Raymond Floyd won his final Major title at the 1986 US Open (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ahead of the 2026 US Open, only five courses had hosted the Major more often than Shinnecock Hills, but it took a century for it to return after its debut.

In 1986, Raymond Floyd won his fourth and final Major title at the event, beating Chip Beck and Lanny Wadkins by two after finishing on one over.

Floyd began the final round trailing leader Greg Norman by three, but he saved his best round of the week until last with a 66.

Norman, meanwhile, slumped to a T12, although he wouldn't be denied his maiden Major title that year, winning The Open the following month.

Corey Pavin – US Open (1995)

Corey Pavin won the US Open in 1995 (Image credit: Getty Images)

In 1995, Shinnecock Hills hosted the US Open for the third time when Norman again held the 54-hole lead (along with Tom Lehman), before Corey Pavin won his one Major title.

On that occasion, Norman placed runner-up following a final round of 73.

However, that wasn’t enough to beat Pavin, whose 68 meant he finished even for the tournament for a two-shot win. Lehman was third on three over.

Retief Goosen – US Open (2004)

Retief Goosen beat Phil Mickelson at Shinnecock Hills in 2004 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Retief Goosen claimed his second US Open title in the 2004 edition at Shinnecock Hills.

The South African began the final round leading by two over compatriot Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson.

In a windswept final round and tackling brutal course conditions, Goosen carded a one-over 71 to edge out Mickelson by two, despite being overtaken by the American in the closing stretch before a double-bogey at the 17th saw him fall back.

That was the third time Mickelson had finished runner-up at the US Open. Over two decades on, he has placed runner-up three more times without winning it, meaning it remains the one Major he needs to complete his career Grand Slam.

Brooks Koepka – US Open (2018)

Brooks Koepka won the title for the second consecutive year in 2018 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Brooks Koepka entered the final round of the 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills as one of four tied for the lead.

By the end of play, he had become the seventh player to win the title for the second consecutive year after beating Tommy Fleetwood by one with a final round of 68.

For Fleetwood, it was a case of “so near yet so far” after beginning the final round six back of Koepka before a 63 hauled him into contention.

To compound his agony, he missed an eight-foot putt at the 18th^, which would have been enough for a playoff.

Shinnecock Hills US Open winners
Year	Winner (score)	Runner-up
1896	James Foulis (152)	Horace Rawlins
1986	Raymond Floyd (-1)	Chip Beck, Lanny Wadkins
1995	Corey Pavin (E)	Greg Norman
2004	Retief Goosen (-4)	Phil Mickelson
2018	Brooks Koepka (+1)	Tommy Fleetwood

Scottie Scheffler Insists 'Grand Slam Has Never Been A Motivating Factor' As He Chases History At The US Open

onepaulh@hotmail.com (Paul Higham) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:12:16 +0000

Scottie Scheffler insists completing the career Grand Slam "has never been a motivating factor for me" as he looks to join the exclusive club by winning the US Open.

The World No.1 catapulted himself into the Grand Slam picture by winning the PGA Championship and The Open last year to add to his two Masters titles and move just one win away from joining golf's immortals.

Scheffler is looking to join Rory McIlroy and become the seventh man to win the career Grand Slam but unlike McIlroy he'd like to get the job done at the first attempt at Shinnecock Hills this week.

But he insists that chasing history is not what drives him on, as he tries to ease the pressure on himself.

"For me, would it be a dream to win the US Open? Of course," said Scheffler. "But at the end of the day, the Grand Slam has never been a motivating factor for me. I always just wanted to be the best version of myself, and that got me this far."

McIlroy mentioned after he won the Grand Slam about having that feeling of what to do next after climbing his Everest - and that's something Scheffler is acutely aware of, hence why he's trying to not make it his main goal in golf.

"If I win this tournament, that would be amazing, but I think then I show up the next week, and it's like, okay, now Scottie's won the Grand Slam, he's won all these golf tournaments. Now where do we go from here?

"I think as a player and as a professional athlete, you're never going to live up to the expectations of people. I think sometimes that's a little bit of the fallacy in our sport is like, if I win the US Open, then I'm going to be satisfied.

"I've won all the tournaments, and my career is essentially over, and I've accomplished everything I could want to accomplish. But I think the goal posts are always just moved further and further."

No fear of failure key for Scheffler success

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Scheffler has always insisted he's not defined by his golfing success, and he again offered an insight into his perspective on his sport - which may explain why he manages to keep such an even keel in the heat of battle.

"Golf is such a funny game. A good example this week, if I finish second this week, it's almost like, hey, you failed in your first chance to win the career Grand Slam," said Scheffler. "It's kind of, like, is finishing second a failure?

"It can feel that way, but I think sometimes when you look at more of kind of a wider view of the sport and where your game's at, second is not always that bad, but man, does it frickin' hurt at the same time.

"So you can feel like a failure in this sport oftentimes just because you're not winning, and I think that's just part of it. That's why I said I try not to focus too much on my successes or my failures, one, because you get beat up an awful lot in this game. It's a tough sport.

"But, two, if I was feeling so good about all my successes, I probably wouldn't be too much fun to be around either."

Thought today was another really good Scottie Scheffler presser but particularly this answer when talking about dealing with the pressure of the career Grand Slam."It's kind of a funny thing. It's like, yeah, if I win this tournament, that would be amazing, but I think then I… pic.twitter.com/2eBrUVqouVJune 16, 2026

Scheffler has already come close at the US Open, finishing in the top seven in four of the last five years so he can rightly fancy his chances at Shinnecock - as he expected the Open Championship would've been the hardest Major for him to win.

"I always felt like The Open would be one of the hardest ones for me to win because I didn't have a lot of experience playing over there in the UK," Scheffler explained.

"Growing up, I played a lot of golf here in the States. I didn't really play much internationally at all. For me, not having the experience on links golf, I would have said that would probably be the most difficult for me to win.

"I always had self-belief. I always believed that I could win golf tournaments out here. I always had that belief in myself that I could accomplish some nice things in the game of golf."

Rory McIlroy Warns Of 'Glorified Korn Ferry' Events On New Two-Track PGA Tour Schedule

onepaulh@hotmail.com (Paul Higham) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:31:42 +0000

Rory McIlroy is not so sure that all the upcoming PGA Tour changes will actually make it that much better - and fears some decent tournaments will become "a glorified Korn Ferry event" under the new two-tier system.

The Grand Slam winner believes LIV Golf "created this false economy" within the sport, with the PGA Tour forced to react by increasing prize money and creating Signature Events in order to keep its best players.

Now LIV Golf is searching for funding to continue, with any new iteration certain to have a big drop in prize money - but despite that the PGA Tour has seemingly no intention of dropping it's prize money structure.

So with LIV's big-money threat lessened and the atmosphere calmer, McIlroy can't help wondering if the old PGA Tour system wasn't actually so bad after all.

"LIV created this false economy where we had to up prize funds and had to cut fields and try to support the top players and all that stuff," said McIlroy at the US Open.

"Which I think needed to happen because that was the only way to retain talent at the time, but now that LIV looks like it's less of a threat, I think the old ways of the PGA Tour weren't actually that bad."

"Now that LIV looks like less of a threat, I think the old ways of the PGA Tour weren't actually that bad."Rory McIlroy reflects on upcoming PGA Tour schedule changes, calling the Track Two tournaments "glorified Korn Ferry events." pic.twitter.com/WTJAm2HpxfJune 16, 2026

McIlroy is "not in those rooms" within the PGA Tour as decisions are being made about the future, in a big change to the height of the LIV Golf saga when Jay Monahan seemingly sent him out to be the organisation's big defender.

Now McIlroy is looking at it from slightly afar, and says he's starting to think the way the PGA Tour was setup before all the LIV Golf wars could have actually been the best.

"I play my schedule, and I'll continue to play my schedule, which is getting less and less as the years go on," he insisted.

"Yeah, it's funny. I think, as they've done all this work, you start to realize that the way the Tour was before LIV came along was actually pretty good. It was a pretty good structure, and everything sort of worked pretty well."

McIlroy warns of 'glorified Korn Ferry Tour' events

(Image credit: Getty Images)

One of McIlroy's main concerns is with some current events on the PGA Tour seeing their status reduced under the new two-tier system set to be deployed by Brian Rolapp.

The six-time Major champion cites the recent RBC Canadian Open as a prime example, with his worry that such a historic national open, along with other similar events, could be diminished unless it receives a huge sponsorship boost.

"I guess like at an event - I guess, just recency, an event like last week, the Canadian Open, potentially going to one of these track twos," McIlroy added.

"Track two is a glorified Korn Ferry event. That's what track two is going to be. So I don't think the Canadian Open should be one of those.

"I just think there's going to be certain events that might lose their stature if a sponsor doesn't pony up $30 million. So that's the tough thing."

Rory McIlroy Calls For 'Caution' In US Open Setup To Avoid Another Shinnecock Saga

onepaulh@hotmail.com (Paul Higham) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:23:29 +0000

Rory McIlroy has urged the USGA to exercise caution in setting up Shinnecock Hills this week to avoid a repeat of the last two US Opens held at the venue.

Both in 2004 and 2018 the USGA opted to let the greens dry out and used some of the toughest pin placements, but with hot and windy weather it made some putting surfaces almost unplayable.

Players like Tiger Woods and Zach Johnson said the USGA had "lost the course" in both events, and McIlroy referenced those as he warned about taking a chance this time around.

McIlroy knows exactly how tough Shinnecock can play as he missed the cut here in 2018 thanks largely to shooting 80 in his opening round, and believes it's difficult enough without the USGA making it harder.

"We've seen what's happened here the last two US Opens. It doesn't need to get that fast to play incredibly difficult and challenging," McIlroy said at his Shinnecock Hills press conference.

"I'd say the greens yesterday probably averaged about 11.5. They certainly don't need to be any faster than that.

"I think with the wind they're expecting on Thursday, I'd say it seems they'd want to get the greens back to the 10s. 10.5, something like that, just because of how heavy the wind is gong to be, gusts of 35 to 40 miles an hour.

"There was only gusts of 25 to 30 yesterday, and balls wouldn't stand on the 11th green. That's where you just have to use a little bit of caution."

The sight of watering greens mid-round in 2004 sparked controversy, but the USGA has spoken about planned watering this time around as a precaution - especially during the first two days.

"When I first heard of it, my first reaction was, that's stupid, why are they doing that? Then once you actually listen and you've let them break it down to you, you're, like, yeah, that makes sense," said McIlroy of the watering.

"The members at Shinnecock will tell you they do that every single day. Every single day at this course the members play, they put water on the course at 2:00 pm.

"It's a unique golf course and it seems like it's just something they have to do. For me, it's more - my concern was you don't want to look as if you've lost the golf course and you're starting to put water on it, which I don't think what they're going to do.

"I think, especially with the heaviness of the wind on Thursday, it's probably prudent to do that. Friday doesn't look as windy, but I think just for, again, fairness and competitive integrity, they do it on Friday, too.

"Then I don't think - I think they've got enough bandwidth on the weekend that they probably don't need to do it, so I understand it."

Shinnecock 'lures you in' to making mistakes

McIlroy believes Shinnecock can be "the best Championship test in the country" if the setup is right, as the course "tests all aspects of the game".

"You need to have your wits about you on the greens, you need a lot of strategy, thoughtfulness," he added.

McIlroy made a scouting trip to Shinnecock Hills the same day as Scottie Scheffler a couple of weeks ago, where he was surprised by how generous the fairways are this year.

With the weather forecast this week though, he warned "they're going to play a lot narrower" with crosswinds and heavy gusts expected on Long Island.

The 2011 US Open was the first of McIlroy's six Major triumphs, but he missed four of the next seven cuts before eventually getting to grips with what it takes to win this tournament.

Patience the key for McIlroy victory

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Six tops 10s in a row culminated with near misses in both 2023 and agonisingly in 2024 at Pinehurst, but McIlroy believes his patience and consistency can see him finally win it again - on a course where patience is very much the key word.

"This course it demands so much patience and it can really lure you into taking on things that you probably shouldn't," he added.

"They're big playing areas, big fairways, pretty big greens but, especially with the weather...if you can get your ball into the middle of the greens here and putt to the corners wherever the flags are going to ne, that's never going to be a bad strategy.

"The strategy that I've employed at the US Open over the past few years has been a lot like that, and that's served me well. It hasn't gotten me the trophy, but it's gotten me pretty close a few years.

"But I definitely feel like I've become a lot better of a US Open player by trying to really stay patient throughout the week and not taking on too much."

With the Grand Slam monkey off his back, and back-to-back Masters titles under his belt, McIlroy can afford to relax and be patient during what will be a tough week.

Whether the strategy that's brought him close to US Open glory can pay off this week at Shinnecock remains to be seen.

Why Were The Last Two US Opens At Shinnecock Hills So Controversial?

onepaulh@hotmail.com (Paul Higham) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:06:07 +0000

The US Open returns to Shinnecock Hills this year, and if it's anything like the last two to be held at the course it'll be well worth watching.

As both the 2004 and 2018 US Opens to take place at Shinnecock Hills were filled with controversy over the condition of the greens.

On both occasions the USGA was accused of "losing the greens" when fast and firm conditions turned into wickedly treacherous.

Some over the top pin placements combined with windy conditions led to the USGA having to water the greens in 2004 during Sunday's final round.

And despite that warning, when the US Open returned to the Long Island venue 14 years later there was a similar outcry about the putting surfaces.

Putting surfaces that wound Phil Mickelson up so much he infamously produced his moment of madness that resulted in a two-shot penalty.

2004 US Open - Watering during play

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Retief Goosen was the last man standing to claim his second US Open title in 2004, but not before the USGA had some big questions to answer about the greens at Shinnecock Hills.

After two rounds, six under par was leading and 11 players were under par in total - that's not exactly what the USGA wanted for the toughest test in golf.

So the USGA double cut and rolled the greens and also stopped watering them, leading to some testing conditions on Saturday, and then borderline unplayable ones on Sunday.

The 7th in particular played more like crazy golf, and when officials realized the error there came the hugely rare sight of the hoses coming out to water the burnt, dried out green in between Sunday pairings!

The average score on Sunday was 79 and nobody shot under par in the final round. It wasn't so much the toughness but the way the course difficulty was manufactured that drew criticism.

"This is our national championship and Shinnecock Hills is a great golf course, but they lost control of it," said Tiger Woods.

"This is not supposed to be how golf is played."

2018 US Open - Drama on the greens, again!

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The US Open returned to Shinnecock Hills in 2018 but incredibly the lessons of 14 years earlier were not learned as the same thing happened again.

The carnage came in Saturday's third round when some devilish pin placements perched on some severe slopes, in windy conditions, again made things pretty much unplayable.

That's still no excuse for Phil Mickelson running after a missed putt on the 13th and hitting it back towards the hole while it was still in motion!

When Phil Mickelson hit a moving ball on the 13th hole during the US Open at Shinnecock Hills. pic.twitter.com/GGRlbpnU7vJune 11, 2024

He got a two-shot penatly and scored a 10 on that hole but was lucky not to get disqualified altogether.

Mickelson later apologized, saying: "I'm embarrassed and disappointed by my actions."

His frustration was shared by most of the field though, with Zach Johnson this time saying "they've lost the golf course" just as Tiger had done 14 years earlier.

So as the US Open returns again to the famed Long Island course don't expect the USGA to get too tricky with the flags or watering on the greens.

It couldn't happen for a third time, could it?

US Open Tee Times 2026: Rounds One And Two

matt.cradock@futurenet.com (Matt Cradock) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:04:50 +0000

After JJ Spaun claimed a maiden Major victory at Oakmont Country Club in 2025, the American is back to defend his championship in Shinnecock Hills, New York.

Staging its sixth US Open, the last time the course held a Major was back in 2018, when Brooks Koepka claimed a one shot victory and defended his trophy from 2017.

A star-studded field is present for the third men's Major of 2026, with Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau among the headliners.

On Tuesday, the full tee times for rounds one and two were revealed, with some eye-catching groups set for the coveted Major.

For defending champion, Spaun, he plays alongside amateur Mason Howell, as well as World No.1 Scheffler. The trio get their rounds underway from the 1st hole at 8.14am on Thursday, before teeing off at 2.09pm on Friday from the 10th.

Spaun defends his US Open title from Oakmont (Image credit: Getty Images)

McIlroy, meanwhile, who last won a US Open back in 2011, is alongside fellow European Ryder Cup teammates Ludvig Aberg and Tommy Fleetwood.

They get their rounds underway at 7.52am from the 10th on Thursday and 1.47pm from the first on Friday.

DeChambeau, who would join Tiger Woods and Hale Irwin as a three-time US Open winner, is paired with Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick, whose sole Major win came at the championship in 2022.

Teeing off at 1.25pm from the 10th on Thursday, they'll return at 7.30am on Friday, getting their second rounds underway from the first.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There are plenty of excellent groups to look out for on Thursday and Friday, with one of those being Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm, three former US Open winners.

In the afternoon wave for the first round, the trio tee off at 2.09pm from the 10th, then 8.14am on Friday from the first.

Koepka, meanwhile, will look to replicate his 2018 success alongside Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup, who already have two wins each on the PGA Tour in 2026.

They are out early on Thursday, beginning at 7.30am from the first, before playing their second round at 1.25pm from the 10th on Friday.

Check out all the full tee times for the first and second rounds of the 2026 US Open below...

US Open Tee Times: Round One

All Times EDT - note 1st round tee times delayed due to fog

1st Tee

6.35am: James Nicholas, Taylor Montgomery, Caleb Surratt
6.46am: Ethan Fang (a), Jayden Schaper, Jackson Suber
6.57am: Chase Kyes (a), Matthew Jordan, Alejandro Tosti
7.08am: Carl Yuan, Brandon Wu, Jimmy Stanger
7.19am: Padraig Harrington, Miles Russell (a), Cameron Smith
7.30am: Brooks Koepka, Cameron Young, Chris Gotterup
7.41am: Daniel Berger, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler
7.52am: Patrick Reed, Andrew Novak, Kurt Kitayama
8.03am: Harris English, Adam Scott, Nick Taylor
8.14am: Mason Howell (a), Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun
8.25am: Sahith Theegala, Jackson Koivun (a), Michael Kim
8.36am: JB Holmes, Filippo Celli, Jackson Ormond (a)
8.47am: Jake Peacock, Vaughn Harber (a), Kaito Onishi
12.30pm: Niklas Norgaard, Rocco Repetto Taylor, Sudarshan Yellamaraju
12.41pm: Laurie Canter, John Parry, Bryan Lee (a)
12.52pm: Chris Kirk, Max McGreevy, Jake Knapp
1.03pm: Harry Hall, Michael Brennan, Andrew Putnam
1.14 pm: Davis Thompson, Preston Stout (a), David Puig
1.25pm: Ryo Hisatsune, Corey Conners, Ryan Fox
1.36pm: Ryan Gerard, Russell Henley, Ben Griffin
1.47pm: Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama, Xander Schauffele
1.58pm: Nicolai Hojgaard, Nico Echavarria, Robert MacIntyre
2:09pm: JT Poston, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel
2.20pm: Arni Sveinsson (a), Taihei Sato, Marcelo Rozo
2.31pm: Nick Hardy, Cole Hammer, Jack Schoenberger
2.42pm: Marek Fleming (a), TK Kim, Giuseppe Puebla (a)

10th Tee

6.35am: Chandler Phillips, Harry Higgs, Hamilton Coleman (a)
6.46am: Nathan Kimsey, Jackson Herrington (a), Cooper Dossey
6.57am: Peter Uihlein, Eric Lee (a), Sam Stevens
7.08am: Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Ben Silverman, Emiliano Grillo
7.19am: Patrick Rodgers, Keith Mitchell, Graeme McDowell
7.30am: Sungjae Im, Lucas Herbert, Kristoffer Reitan
7.41am: Sam Burns, Tyrrell Hatton, Si Woo Kim
7.52am: Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, Tommy Fleetwood
8.03am: Alex Noren, Maverick McNealy, Sepp Straka
8.14am: Max Greyserman, Brian Harman, Jacob Bridgeman
8.25am: Alex Fitzpatrick, Tom Kim, Ben James
8.36am: Brandon Holtz (a), Ryuichi Oiwa, Dylan Wu
8.47am: Greyson Leach, Logan Reilly (a), Robbie Higgins
12.30pm: William Mouw, Ryder Cowan (a), Hennie du Plessis
12.41pm: Adrien Saddier, Jackson Van Paris, Ugo Coussaud
12.52pm: Neal Shipley, Matti Schmid, Bud Cauley
1.03pm: Pierceson Coody, Zac Blair, Kevin Roy
1.14pm: Aaron Rai, Collin Morikawa, Jason Day
1.25pm: Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick
1.36pm: Dustin Johnson, Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland
1.47pm: Joaquin Niemann, Alex Smalley, Shane Lowry
1.58pm: Akshay Bhatia, Carlos Ortiz, Min Woo Lee
2.09pm: Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm
2.20pm: Ben Kohles, Johnny Keefer, Matt McCarty
2.31pm: Angel Hidalgo, Mateo Pulcini (a), Spencer Tibbits
2.42pm: Matthew Robles (a), Jake Sollon, Manav Shah

US Open Tee Times: Round Two

1st Hole

6.35am: William Mouw, Ryder Cowan (a), Hennie du Plessis
6.46am: Adrien Saddier, Jackson Van Paris, Ugo Coussaud
6.57am: Neal Shipley, Matti Schmid, Bud Cauley
7.08am: Pierceson Coody, Zac Blair, Kevin Roy
7.19am: Aaron Rai, Collin Morikawa, Jason Day
7.30am: Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick
7.41am: Dustin Johnson, Wyndham Clark, Gary Woodland
7.52am: Joaquin Niemann, Alex Smalley, Shane Lowry
8.03am: Akshay Bhatia, Carlos Ortiz, Min Woo Lee
8.14am: Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm
8.25am: Ben Kohles, Johnny Keefer, Matt McCarty
8.36am: Angel Hidalgo, Mateo Pulcini (a), Spencer Tibbits
8.47am: Matthew Robles (a), Jake Sollon, Manav Shah
12.30pm: Chandler Phillips, Harry Higgs, Hamilton Coleman (a)
12.41pm: Nathan Kimsey, Jackson Herrington (a), Cooper Dossey
12.52pm: Peter Uihlein, Eric Lee (a), Sam Stevens
1.03pm: Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Ben Silverman, Emiliano Grillo
1.14pm: Patrick Rodgers, Keith Mitchell, Graeme McDowell
1.25pm: Sungjae Im, Lucas Herbert, Kristoffer Reitan
1.36pm: Sam Burns, Tyrrell Hatton, Si Woo Kim
1.47pm: Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, Tommy Fleetwood
1.58pm: Alex Noren, Maverick McNealy, Sepp Straka
2.09pm: Max Greyserman, Brian Harman, Jacob Bridgeman
2.20pm: Alex Fitzpatrick, Tom Kim, Ben James
2.31pm: Brandon Holtz (a), Ryuichi Oiwa, Dylan Wu
2.42pm: Greyson Leach, Logan Reilly (a), Robbie Higgins

10th Hole

6.35am: Niklas Norgaard, Rocco Repetto Taylor, Sudarshan Yellamaraju
6.46am: Laurie Canter, John Parry, Bryan Lee (a)
6.57am: Chris Kirk, Max McGreevy, Jake Knapp
7.08am: Harry Hall, Michael Brennan, Andrew Putnam
7.19am: Davis Thompson, Preston Stout (a), David Puig
7.30am: Ryo Hisatsune, Corey Conners, Ryan Fox
7.41am: Ryan Gerard, Russell Henley, Ben Griffin
7.52am: Justin Thomas, Hideki Matsuyama, Xander Schauffele
8.03am: Nicolai Hojgaard, Nico Echavarria, Robert MacIntyre
8.14am: JT Poston, Patrick Cantlay, Billy Horschel
8.25am: Arni Sveinsson (a), Taihei Sato, Marcelo Rozo
8.36am: Nick Hardy, Cole Hammer, Jack Schoenberger
8.47am: Marek Fleming (a), TK Kim, Giuseppe Puebla (a)
12.30pm: James Nicholas, Taylor Montgomery, Caleb Surratt
12.41pm: Ethan Fang (a), Jayden Schaper, Jackson Suber
12.52pm: Chase Kyes (a), Matthew Jordan, Alejandro Tosti
1.03pm: Carl Yuan, Brandon Wu, Jimmy Stanger
1.14pm: Padraig Harrington, Miles Russell (a), Cameron Smith
1.25pm: Brooks Koepka, Cameron Young, Chris Gotterup
1.36pm: Daniel Berger, Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler
1.47pm: Patrick Reed, Andrew Novak, Kurt Kitayama
1.58pm: Harris English, Adam Scott, Nick Taylor
2.09pm: Mason Howell (a), Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun
2.20pm: Sahith Theegala, Jackson Koivun (a), Michael Kim
2.31pm: JB Holmes, Filippo Celli, Jackson Ormond (a)
2.42pm: Jake Peacock, Vaughn Harber (a), Kaito Onishi

US Open Special Bets 2026: First-Round Leader Picks, Lowest Round & Big Name To Miss The Cut

onepaulh@hotmail.com (Paul Higham) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:41:11 +0000

It's going to be a tough test at a windy Shinnecock Hills this week which could make it a pretty tough US Open to call.

The favorites remain the Scottie Schefflers and the Rory McIlroys of this world, but outside of the outright winners there's a number of other betting markets to go at.

As always we've got our Betting Panel's outright picks, along with some sleeper selections worth adding to the shortlist to lift the US Open trophy on Sunday.

But let's look at a few other wagers to consider...

First- round leader

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Patrick Reed is a popular pick to win the whole thing at Shinnecock Hills, and rightly so given the form he's in and the conditions he'll face at the US Open.

It'll be a windy week so ball flight and shot-shaping will be key, as will scrambling around the greens, getting up and down and putting - all in the wheelhouse of the 2018 Masters champion.

He finished fourth here at the US Open that same year in 2018 when his scores actually improved every round - but that experience and course knowledge should ensure he hits the ground running this time around.

With no LIV Golf, Reed has not played in between the last two Majors but that's not been an issue as he's finished T12 at The Masters and T10 at the PGA Championship, but more importantly he's made fast starts at both of those.

Reed was third after round one at Augusta National and T8 at Aronimink just a shot off the lead, with his average first-round score in his eight starts this year a fine 68.8.

Back Patrick Reed as first-round leader at +5500 (55/1) at BetMGM

First-round leader - top five

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Basically a next best here for first-round leader with Chris Gotterup, who you can back to be outright first-round leader at +6000 (60/1) but also go the safer way with a top-five after 18 holes.

Gotterup is 13th in first-round scoring average on the PGA Tour this season and he looks to have a decent profile for the US Open test with his Scottish Open victory last year followed by a third at The Open.

That shows he can play in links conditions, and the wind at Shinnecock may call for similar shot making abilities, while he's now a regular contender at the Majors - with a top-10 finish at the PGA Championship.

He's not a traditional fast starter but conditions here could lead to a survival of the fittest test in the opening round, with Gotterup well capable of being there or thereabouts.

Back Chris Gotterup top five after round one at +1200 (12/1) with BetMGM

Top five for Tyrrell

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Tyrrell Hatton was close to getting a shout as a first-round leader as he's shot in the 60s in all eight first rounds on LIV Golf this season - but instead we'll play the long game and back him to be in the frame come Sunday.

He's just won at Valderrama as the famous 'Nappy Factor' struck again with Hatton winning his first event since becoming a father for the first time - with Sunday being Father's Day don't rule out a second straight English Major victory.

The further signs are also good - with Hatton finishing sixth at Shinnecock in 2018 and fourth last year at Oakmont showing both event and course form, usually a fine combo.

Throw in his three victories at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship showing his ability to play in the wind in links conditions and there's a lot to like about his chances this week.

Back Tyrrell Hatton for top five at +650 (13/2) with BetMGM

Lowest round of the US Open

Can lightning strike twice? Let's hope so as we back Tommy Fleetwood to repeat his heroics from 2018 and stick in a really low one at Shinnecock Hills.

Fleetwood came flying home on Sunday last time the US Open was here, shooting an unbelievable 63 in the final round to almost go and pinch the title away from Brooks Koepka.

Fleetwood is the only man in history to shoot 63 twice in the US Open, as he also did it in 2023 in LA, again in the final round - so although we may have to wait until Sunday Fleetwood could well bring home the bacon for us again.

The Englishman arrives in decent form as well, with a T11 in Canada including a round of 65, so he's in low-scoring form.

Back Tommy Fleetwood for lowest round of the tournament at +500 (5/1) with BetMGM

To miss the cut

(Image credit: Getty Images)

He couldn't make it an unwanted hat-trick could he? Bryson DeChambeau was the Major man for a couple of years but he's been struggling in 2026 with back-to-back missed cuts at The Masters and PGA Championship.

DeChambeau's been fine on LIV Golf but just can't translate it to the Majors so far - and it's hard to believe that his tour's uncertain future hasn't had a big part to play in that.

It's surely on his mind, and he's been spending time helping CEO Scott ONeil meet with investors and building business plans - that all adds up and it's not the ideal scenario ahead of a US Open where patience and precision is paramount.

He's also turned up with a prototype TaylorMade driver in the bag at Shinnecock so there's just a few too many question marks about Bryson right now. He could easily show up and contend again, but those negatives are too much to ignore.

Back Bryson DeChambeau to miss the cut at +180 (9/5) with BetMGM

A hole-in-one?

It's been raining holes-in-one at the US Open in recent times with at least one at the last three tournaments. There was one last year at Oakmont, two in 2024 at Pinehurst and THREE in 2023 at LA Country Club.

There have been 54 holes-in-one in US Open history, with two at Shinnecock Hills during the five times it has hosted the event.

Spencer Levin scored an ace in 2004 at the 17th as he finished as low amateur at the tournament, with Gary Hallberg holing his tee shot on the 7th in 1995 as the only other hole-in-one at the venue.

🚨 DEFENDING CHAMPION ACE ALERT 🚨@MattFitz94 joins the #USOpen hole-in-one party! pic.twitter.com/x6q3nll62CJune 16, 2023

Only one of the four par-3s this week is over 200 yards so they're all well within range, although the 11th with that green is about as hard a short hole as you could imagine so you can put a line through that being a chance for a one.

Some rain may give players chances at the others though if the greens aren't as firm and fast at the start of the week.

Back a hole-in-one at -106 (10/11) with BetMGM