SOUTHAMPTON, NY. Now that the dust has settled, a final overview of the 126th US Open is appropriate.
On a personal level I have covered every Open played at the iconic eastern Long Island layout since 1986.
Here are a few of my key takeaways.
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Preparing Shinnecock — bravo USGA and Jon Jennings
The key coming into this year’s event at Shinnecock Hills was having the tour de force layout prepared in a manner that truly brought to the surface the true genius of architect William Flynn to the forefront.
The main emphasis for the United States Golf Association (USGA) was a clear and straightforward game plan — let Shinnecock be Shinnecock.
In simple terms that meant avoiding the self-inflicted fumbles that happened at both the ’04 and ’18 Opens. In each of those events, the manner of how the course was prepared became a central focal point. Players in each of those championships were forced to endure turf conditions at certain parts of a round where fair play was not rewarded but actually thwarted.
The USGA realized that the sponsoring organization need not “protect” Shinnecock Hills but actually bring to the forefront the innate characteristics that have propelled the club to be rightly seen as easily among the ten best courses on the planet.
This year’s Open was a clear success in how such a brilliant layout can provide a true test of golf. Low scores were indeed possible — Wyndham Clark’s superb opening round 64 proved that. Others were able to do similarly — 65s were scored by Joaquín Niemann and Collin Morikawa respectively — with others posting sub-par rounds of note.
Fairway widths — in the range of 44-48 yards — were created to encourage players to use a driver as they deemed needed. Most importantly, green speeds were kept at a pace that permitted the usage of a range of pin locations and the added element in syringing the greens during the gap of tee times during the first two rounds kept the essence of fair play uppermost given the pitch of a number of the greens at Shinnecock Hills.
Final kudos must be mentioned on the retiring of long-time club superintendent Jon Jennings. His workforce at Shinnecock Hills and the volunteers who assisted during the event were the hidden stars at this year’s Open.
Wyndham Clark’s performance.
The play of winner Wyndham Clark throughout 72 holes was nothing short of remarkable. Having the outright lead after each of the four rounds clearly showed his talents and also the requirements of Shinnecock Hills expected from each player during the event.
The 32-year-old became just the 9th player to maintain the top position after each round and certainly reinforced the fact that his winning the championship at Los Angeles CC three years earlier was no fluke.
Clark had to endure nearly endless questions stemming on his past actions at Oakmont at last year’s championship when in a fit of rage, he destroyed two lockers. He took full responsibility for his actions and since then has put in place a committed effort in showing meaningful remorse through clear and sustained personal actions.
Even with that effort, Clark had to endure boorish behavior from spectators at various points – most notably in the final round. To his credit he maintained his focus during play and continued to speak about his effort at making a real connection to those who view him differently.
Scheffler’s grind commendable but final round disappointing
The four-time major winner and world number one player was not at his best throughout the 72 holes of the championship but to his credit gamely kept plugging away.
Scheffler was able to secure a final round pairing with Clark but only scored two birdies for a one-over-par 71 courtesy of a putter that failed to deliver during key points.
This was especially so during the inward nine before a costly three-putt at the 14th put an end to his hope in completing the career Grand Slam and doing so on his birthday on Father’s Day.
Burns only real challenger during final round
Sam Burns showed resolve in being the only golfer that kept himself in the hunt right through the conclusion of play.
Burns played the outward nine in three-under-par 32 and after a birdie at the par-5 16th he narrowly missed crucial birdie putts on the final two holes. If either of those putts found the bottom of the cup, the outcome of the championship could have gone in a different manner.
The 29-year-old certainly demonstrated a golf game capable in claiming one of the major championships. In the last three US Opens he has been in the top ten each time. Can he finally claim the top spot in one of golf’s four majors? The talent is certainly present to do just that.
Anyone see Bryson DeChambeau?
The two-time major winner – both victories at US Opens — has clearly been in a funk with woeful play during the first three major events in 2026.
In each of those events, DeChambeau has gone home after 36 holes.
The 32-year-old left Shinnecock Hills without addressing the media but posted a video afterwards in which he outlined his clear regression in the game’s most defining events.
DeChambeau remains a defiant defender of LIV Golf and it will be most interesting to see what he has learned going into the final major event in July at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.
Where was Jon Rahm?
The Spaniard played well at the PGA Championship at Aronimink finishing in a tie for second and the prognosis upon arriving at Shinnecock looked good.
Yet, just like DeChambeau the two-time major winner headed home for the weekend.
But unlike DeChambeau, Rahm is making his future professional golf plans with LIV Golf likely in his rear-view mirror.
Sorting out matters with The Open coming up in a few weeks’ bears watching. Rahm has always believed the importance in having a permanent legacy in the game. A return to the forefront at Birkdale could put his poor play at Shinnecock in the past.
The logistics in hosting at Shinnecock
Staging a US Open at Shinnecock Hills on the eastern area of Long Island can be an exasperating experience for attendees.
Yes, having Shinnecock Hills host the national championship of American golf is critical given the stature of the club and the accompanying test of golf it provides.
But the demands placed on attendees was no small matter. Yes, the USGA and New York State worked on expanding train service from New York City to the championship and the percentage of those who used it was roughly 40%.
The issue was the schedule of the rail service as many attendees opted to bailout early during Saturday and Sunday and the footage provided by television coverage showed a less than desirable visual with grandstands less than full.
Staging a US Open at Shinnecock also meant dealing with price gouging of nearby hotels and motels. Rates during the event went beyond outrageous – with a number charging $1,000 or more per night.
For those who drove to the club, the endless traffic snarls can provide a headache of epic proportions. Shinnecock Hills was created to be an oasis away from such congestion. Yet when hosting such an event, the concept of adding thousands of people all looking to squeeze into a tiny area that has limited access can always be a difficult task to rectify.
The US Open returns in 2036 and the club will feature the men’s and women’s events in back-to-back weeks. Will lessons from this year’s event help with those plans in a decade’s time?
One can only hope that happens.
Related: John Ryan Celiberti interview
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.”