Predicting the 2026 U.S. Open: Top 26 Players to Watch Out For (2026)

The 2026 U.S. Open field is set to be a fascinating contest, with a mix of established stars and rising talents. The tournament at Shinnecock Hills promises to be a true test of golf's elite, with a field that includes the world's best players and a few surprises. Here's a breakdown of the top 26 players, with a focus on their recent form, strengths, and potential challenges.

1. Scottie Scheffler (World No. 1): Scheffler is the clear favorite, leading the PGA Tour in most scoring categories. His well-rounded game and ability to adapt to different courses make him a strong contender. However, his iron play has been a concern, and if it doesn't improve, it could be a factor in his pursuit of the U.S. Open title.
2. Rory McIlroy: McIlroy has a strong track record at the U.S. Open, with a win in 2011 and consistent performances since 2018. His recent focus on physical and mental preparation has paid off, and he's ready to challenge for another major.
3. Xander Schauffele: Schauffele's U.S. Open results speak for themselves, with multiple top-15 finishes. His game is well-suited for the U.S. Open, and he's one of the few players to finish in the top 10 at both the Masters and PGA Championship.
4. Cameron Young: Young's recent success at Oakmont and The Players Championship makes him a dark horse contender. His New York upbringing and ties to Shinnecock Hills could provide an edge, but he'll need to maintain his high-quality play.
5. Jon Rahm: Rahm's competitive spirit and recent form at the PGA Championship make him a strong contender. His iron play is on pace for its best season since 2023, and he's ready to challenge for another major.
6. Matt Fitzpatrick: Fitzpatrick's understanding of U.S. Open golf and his pitching and chipping skills make him a serious contender. His recent form has been solid, but he'll need to maintain his consistency.
7. Russell Henley: Henley's accuracy, precision, and confidence make him a valuable addition to the field. His top-15 finishes in the U.S. Open and recent win at Colonial make him a dark horse to watch.
8. Ludvig Åberg: Åberg's consistent performance and ranking on the PGA Tour make him a contender. However, his lack of wins and Sunday struggles raise questions about his closing abilities.
9. Tommy Fleetwood: Fleetwood's near-miss at the Memorial and recent improvement in form make him a potential surprise package. His ability to handle Sunday pressure could be a key factor.
10. Patrick Reed: Reed's artistry, angles, and short-game wizardry make him a strong contender. His recent major championships and U.S. Open preparation will be crucial.
11. Justin Rose: Rose's recent form and equipment changes have put him back in the hunt. His ability to handle pressure and his recent top-10 finish at the PGA Championship make him a serious contender.
12. Bryson DeChambeau: DeChambeau's U.S. Open success and recent LIV Golf performances make him a wildcard. His ability to adapt to different courses and his major championship experience could be a factor.
13. Sam Burns: Burns' recent form and his final group experience at Oakmont make him a potential surprise package. His iron play and ability to handle difficult courses will be crucial.
14. J.J. Spaun: Spaun's U.S. Open success at Shinnecock Hills in 2025 and his recent form make him a strong contender. His greens magic and trending performance will be key.
15. Chris Gotterup: Gotterup's creativity and shot-making skills make him a dark horse. His recent top-25 finishes and ability to contend on difficult courses will be an asset.
16. Wyndham Clark: Clark's recent form and confidence boost make him a potential surprise package. His improved golf swing and narrow dispersion will be crucial.
17. Collin Morikawa: Morikawa's accuracy and precision make him a strong contender. However, his recent back injury and less-than-fully healthy state could be a concern.
18. Tyrrell Hatton: Hatton's fiery competitiveness and all-around game make him a serious contender. His ability to handle grueling tests and his recent win at Valderrama will be key.
19. Justin Thomas: Thomas' recent form and top-25 finishes make him a potential surprise package. His ability to keep the ball in front of him and his recent major championship experience will be crucial.
20. Brooks Koepka: Koepka's U.S. Open success and recent hand injury make him a wildcard. His ability to handle pressure and his major championship experience will be a factor.
21. Patrick Cantlay: Cantlay's recent iron play and greens magic make him a serious contender. His ability to finish tournaments quietly and his recent top-10 finish at Pinehurst will be key.
22. Si Woo Kim: Kim's recent form and iron play make him a potential surprise package. His putting and recent podium finishes will be crucial.
23. Aaron Rai: Rai's recent PGA Championship victory and top-20 finish make him a strong contender. His game and ability to avoid trouble will be an asset.
24. Ryan Gerard: Gerard's recent form and putter tweak make him a dark horse. His old-school golf style and ability to contend will be fun to watch.
25. Harris English: English's recent form and top-10 finishes make him a potential surprise package. His ability to handle difficult conditions and his recent leaderboard appearances will be crucial.
26. Hideki Matsuyama: Matsuyama's iron play and hands make him a serious contender. His recent playoff loss and top-six finishes in the U.S. Open will be key.