2026 US Open: Time for the Range

Posted on June 16, 2026
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Shinnecock Hills is a real championship layout that will test every facet of your play and will put the Pro’s through the grinder for every shot of the US Open with only the best being able to survive.

No time for a long preview mail? Just head over to get your PICKS in!



Keep an eye open for the majorpunter changes introduced last year, with a no-subs option, adding a 6th pick and the addition of another wildcard. See the updated RULES on the site, which also include a no-sympathy approach to players withdrawing once the first tee shot has gone off.

The course is expected to be fast and firm, no sight of rain. Its a 2nd shot course, with even wider fairways than would normally be expected. Very unusual for a US Open, though the USGA had to make it relatively playable after the 2018 debacle. This is going to be a beast!



JJ is defending this week, which will be a tough feat based on history, but even more so based on his general form and major record.

Stat Attack
This is a special venue littered with ball strikers as winners. The list is exceptional as the course is a US Open hotbed where every club in your bag is tested.

Listen to these numbers:
654 players have teed it up in a U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills over the years and ONLY 3 have finished the week under par.

Most strokes gained total per round at @usopengolf in the 2020's:
Rory McIlroy, 3.05
Scottie Scheffler, 2.70
Jon Rahm, 2.61
Xander Schauffele, 2.60
Collin Morikawa, 2.26
Bryson DeChambeau, 2.20



Then the big discussion of Scottie to complete the Grand Slam, which is his first stab at the club. Can he turn his form around and get to his 5th major?



majorpunter Favorites
Any major presents so many potentials, obviously littered with favourites of proven top end players, but we all know there can be a surprise out there like we had in 2025.

Scottie:
The World No. 1 arrives as the clear favourite and has the chance to complete the career Grand Slam. His exceptional ball-striking and consistency make him an ideal fit for the demanding test that Shinnecock Hills is expected to provide.
Rory:
Fresh off a career-defining Masters victory, McIlroy is chasing a second U.S. Open title. His length off the tee and wealth of experience in major championships make him a serious contender on one of golf's toughest stages.
Rahmbo:
The 2021 U.S. Open champion thrives when conditions are at their most difficult. Rahm's combination of power, resilience, and proven major-winning pedigree makes him a natural fit for Shinnecock Hills.
X:
One of the most consistent performers in major championships, Schauffele's steady all-round game and calm temperament are perfectly suited to U.S. Open golf. Few players are as reliable under pressure.
Fitzy:
The 2022 U.S. Open champion has a game built for tough scoring conditions. Accurate, disciplined, and in strong form, Fitzpatrick could be one of the biggest threats to the favourites this week.



The Challengers
The DATA GOLF RANKINGS have a few surprises, but Scottie does keep ranking at the top of all.

The top 10 is littered with top, high performing talent: Scottie, Rory, Rahmbo, Fitzy, & X are all multiple major winners. Thats 5 of them! Thats a ton of pedigree and form to boot.

But what of the rest who are not on everyone’s radar?

Cambo: also in the top 10, but still chasing a major after competing many times!
Henley: also in the top 10, and a game that is almost born for this level of test.



For an in-depth analysis of the top candidates, check out GOLF DIGEST FAVOURITES and POWER RANKINGS for the US Open test.

Shinnecock will create an epic major. The course does present opportunities for birdie, rare for the US Open , but also will break you in an instant.

Your Picks
The DATA GOLF RANKINGS are an interesting mix and determine our mixed pots for PICKS.

Take on your mates
As always, the more the merrier so send this on to the other golf fans in your life to get them involved and swell the winner's purse!

Remember we have Side Pots for punters to directly compete with each other’s friends, families, colleagues, local clubs, whatever you feel necessary. Give it a try and maybe get some side wagers going!

Remember to ensure your teams are entered and paid before the first tee off time wherever you might be around the globe.