The first round of the 2026 U.S. Open — after a brief fog delay — is officially underway at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, as the iconic Long Island course welcomes the championship for the sixth time. What follows is an arduous four-day battle against one of golf’s toughest tests. Players will need plenty of patience if they hope to prevail, as only three golfers in USGA history have finished under par here after 72 holes: Raymond Floyd (1986), Retief Goosen (2004) and Phil Mickelson (2004).
What’s in store for Round 1? Here are four things to know for Thursday at Shinnecock.
The significance of Shinnecock
Regarded as one of the finest — and most demanding — courses in the country, Shinnecock Hills’ significance extends far beyond its accolades or stunning design. Founded in 1891, it’s the oldest incorporated golf club in the country. Shinnecock further embedded itself into golf history in 1894 when it became one of the original five member clubs of the USGA, then known as the Amateur Golf Association of the United States.
The winner this week won’t just earn a place on the U.S. Open trophy alongside the game’s greats. They’ll also become part of a unique legacy, as Shinnecock remains the only course to have hosted the U.S. Open in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
Scottie’s quest for the grand slam
After winning the 2025 PGA Championship and Open Championship, Scottie Scheffler finds himself on the doorstep of history — one win away from the career Grand Slam. Despite a frustrating finish at the Memorial last week, Scheffler has already captured a win this season and recorded five top-five finishes, including a runner-up at the Masters.
While it may be the only thing on golf fans’ minds, joining the six legendary players who have completed the career Grand Slam isn’t what’s driving Scheffler, according to comments he made during his press conference Tuesday.
“For me, would it be a dream to win the U.S. Open? Of course. But at the end of the day, like I — the grand slam has never been a motivating factor for me,” Scheffler said. “I always just wanted to be the best version of myself, and that got me this far.”
Conditions will keep things interesting
Designed by William Flynn in 1931, Shinnecock’s layout feels like it’s somewhere off the coast of the British Isles rather than Long Island’s South Fork. Like many of his designs, Flynn leaned heavily on the land’s natural topography and existing features, using them to amplify an already demanding test.
Like, for example, the course’s series of triangular three-hole stretches that expose players to the shifting winds and put every aspect of their game on trial. This week is no exception. Even with the widened fairways, players know how quickly conditions can change.
“There’s going to be a lot of crosswinds … especially if it gets a little firmer, [the fairways are] going to play a lot narrower than the 45 yards wide that they average,” Rory McIlroy said during a press conference Tuesday. “And you’re hitting across quite a few fairways, as well. There’s a lot of different slide angles. So even though it’s wide and has a lot of width, it has the potential to play a lot narrower.”
If the course dries out, the small, sloping greens are likely to claim a few victims, and players will inevitably find themselves in the thick fescue lining the fairways. Needless to say, both players and fans would be wise not to underestimate the potential carnage this course can produce.
The amateurs are off the charts
The U.S. Open always features an impressive group of amateur golfers, and this year is no exception. Twenty amateurs are in the field, including 17-year-old Miles Russell. He’s making his U.S. Open debut, but he’s already displaying wisdom beyond his years. In a press conference Wednesday, Russell spoke about his mindset heading into the first round.
“I don’t know if my mindset changes much. It’s still another tournament. I’m going to treat it like if it was an AJGA, where I’m just trying to come here and play good golf and see where my game lines up with some of the best players in the world,” Russel said.
That steady outlook helps explain why Russell is regarded as the top junior in the country — and why he may not be overwhelmed by the moment.
Another promising player, Jackson Koivun, just turned pro this week. He was the top-ranked am previously.
You can stream the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open via Peacock, USOpen.com and the USGA app, which will all offer featured group streaming coverage starting at 7:29 a.m. ET on Thursday. Peacock will also provide a live simulcast of NBCSN’s coverage from 5-8 p.m. ET.
