SOUTHAMPTON, NY. After a brief fog delay, play at the 126th US Open is underway. Securing a US Open trophy is an arduous task and the pressures, both physical and most certainly mental, will be a constant item of emphasis for all competing.
Shinnecock Hills is hosting for the sixth time — the last coming eight years ago in 2018.
A number of key questions await answers.
How will Shinnecock Hills play for the duration of the event?
The last two Opens played at the famed Long Island layout were marked by serious question concerning how the USGA prepared the course. The USGA has stated needed adjustments have been put in place to ensure past fumbles do not happen again.
Fairway widths have been widened for a number of the hole and overall green speeds will be kept below 11 on the Stimpmeter so that a greater availability of pin positions can be used. In addition, plans to syringe the greens between the AM and PM starting time for the first two rounds will also be carried out.
Shinnecock Hills played marvelously for the first rounds during the “04 and ’18 events. It was during the weekend play that matters went downhill. The USGA is determined to make sure that doesn’t happen again.
Only after play has been concluded will the answer be known with total certainty.
Related: “Let Shinnecock be Shinnecock”
Can Scottie Scheffler get off to a good start?
The world number one player can serve notice he is intent on reinforcing his stay at the top of the pecking order at Shinnecock.
A win this week — on his 30th birthday no less and coinciding with Father’s Day — would add his name as the seventh member of the super elite career Grand Slam club.
Scheffler won two majors last year and raised his overall total to four. The 2026 season has been a good one but the bugaboo for the Texan has been poor opening rounds which have forced him to play catch-up for the balance of an event.
Case in point at this year’s Masters where he finished runner-up and at the PGA Championship where he disappointed with a lackluster T14th finish.
Is Superman Scheffler ready to fly even higher? We shall see.
Is the Masters win now in McIlroy’s rear-view mirror?
When Rory McIlroy won the Masters in 2025, he completed the career Grand Slam and ended a personal winless streak in the majors dating back to 2014.
But the balance of 2025 proved uneventful for the world ranked number two player as McIlroy did not return to the winner’s circle.
After defending his green jacket this past April at Augusta, it will be interesting to see if any lessons have been learned and if the talented Northern Irishman can resume his winning ways with a second triumph in the US Open.
Anyone see Bryson DeChambeau recently?
The two-time US Open champion has been the invisible man in major championship play in 2026.
Two consecutive missed cuts at Augusta and at Aronimink during the PGA Championship have raised legitimate questions on whether the 32-year-old can resume his top tier form.
DeChambeau has maintained a fierce devotion to LIV Golf and has not shown any desire in returning to the PGA Tour. But in his last four majors played – he has missed the cut three times.
While too soon to begin any deep-seated concerns, the necessity for DeChambeau to return to elite level form will be something to keep a close eye on this week at Shinnecock.
Can Fleetwood secure his first major championship win?
The talented Englishman scored a remarkable final round 63 at the ’18 US Open and nearly claimed his first major then.
Fleetwood will be paired with McIlroy the first two rounds at Shinnecock and how the 35-year-old plays in that grouping could signal a springboard or anchor outcome.
The clock is ticking for Tommy to get the 800-pound gorilla of no majors off his back. Doing so at Shinnecock Hills would be a superb achievement.
Is Rahm ready to return to the forefront?
The Spaniard was in the hunt until the very end at Aronomink for the PGA Championship before finishing in a tie for the runner-up position.
The 31-year-old finally settled his on again / off again tussle with the DP World Tour and can reassert himself on the world stage with a third major championship and second US Open title at Shinnecock.
Rahm has been in the background with all the attention focused on Scheffler and McIlroy. Returning to the winner’s circle this week can change that dynamic quickly.
Will Cameron Young’s return to Long Island prove equally fruitful?
At last year’s Ryder Cup matches, Cameron Young proved his selection as a Captain’s pick for team USA was the right choice.
The third ranked player in the world and native New Yorker can push his name higher in golf’s totem pole by winning his first major at Shinnecock.
His victory at The Players earlier this year showed his talent. Securing a first major can add to that rising trajectory.
The key for Young? Consistency when putting.
Can Koepka recapture the magic at Shinnecock?
The five-time major winner is returning to playing form, but the main issue is a recent hand injury. Koepka pulled out of last week’s Canadian Open.
The 36-year-old has proven adept at major championships with three of his wins amazingly coming in the Empire State.
At the ’18 US Open Koepka showed total resolve in refusing to buckle. Can the memories of his epic win at Shinnecock serve as the foundation for his return to the top? The continued question of relevance for Brooks will be worth watching this week. A definitive answer — whether yes or no – can prove telling.
Related: Long Island’s lasting legacy
M. James Ward
A long-time member of both the GWAA and MGWA. The 68-year-old has covered all facets in golf since 1980 — including reporting on over 100 major championships and 13 Ryder Cup matches. His writings have appeared in various outlets. On a personal level, has played over 2,000 courses globally and is lead reviewer for Top 100 Golf Courses.
Previously served for 17 years as national course rating panelist for Golf Digest. Has also personally competed in USGA Championships. Resides in the metro New York City area with his wife Celeste. Favorite quote paraphrased for golf — “You are what your golf score says you are.”