The first round of 2026 US Open – after a brief fog delay – is officially underway at Shinnecock Hills Golf Clubas the iconic Long Island course welcomes the championship for the sixth time. What follows is a tough four-day battle against one of the toughest tests in golf. Players will need plenty of patience if they hope to prevail, as only three golfers in USGA history have finished tied 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 about Thursday at Shinnecock.
Significance of Shinnecock
Considered one of the best — and most sought after — courses in the country, Shinnecock Hills’ significance extends far beyond ratings or stunning design. Founded in 1891, it is the oldest incorporated golf club in the country. Shinnecock further entered golf history in 1894 when it became one of the five original member clubs of the USGA, then known as the United States Amateur Golf Association.
The winner this week won’t just earn a spot on the US Open trophy alongside the greats of the game. They will also become part of a unique legacy, as Shinnecock remains the only course to have hosted the US Open in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
Scottie’s Quest for the Grand Slam
After winning the 2025 PGA Championship and The Open Championship, Scottie Scheffler finds himself on the brink of history – one victory away from a career Grand Slam. Despite a disappointing finish at the Memorial last week, Scheffler has already picked up a win this season and has recorded five top-five finishes, including a runner-up finish at the Masters.
While it may be the only thing on golf fans’ minds, joining the six legendary players who have completed career Grand Slams is not what drives Scheffler, according to comments he made during his press conference Tuesday.
“For me, would it be a dream to win the US Open? Sure. But at the end of the day, like me — the Grand Slam has never been a motivating factor for me,” Scheffler said. “I’ve always wanted to be the best version of myself and that’s what got me here.”
Conditions will keep things interesting
Designed by William Flynn in 1931, Shinnecock’s layout looks like it’s somewhere off the coast of the British Isles rather than the South Fork of Long Island. Like many of his models, Flynn relied heavily on the land’s natural topography and existing features, using them to reinforce an already demanding proof.
Like, for example, the course’s series of three-hole triangular stretches that expose players to displaced winds and put every aspect of their game to the test. This week is no exception. Even with widened fairways, players know how quickly conditions can change.
“There’s going to be a lot of headwinds … especially if it gets a little bit stronger, (the fairways are) going to play a lot tighter than the average 45 yards,” Rory McIlroy said during a press conference Tuesday. “And you’re hitting some fairways as well. There’s a lot of different swing angles. So even though it’s wide and has a lot of width, it has the potential to play a lot tighter.”
If the course dries out, the small, steep greens are likely to take a few casualties, and players will inevitably find themselves in the thick fescue that lines the fairways. Needless to say, players and fans alike would be wise not to underestimate the potential carnage this course can produce.
Amateurs are off the charts
The US Open always has an impressive group of amateur players, and this year is no exception. Twenty amateurs are on the field, including 17-year-old Miles Russell. He’s making his US Open debut, but he’s already showing wisdom beyond his years. In a press conference Wednesday, Russell talked about his mindset heading into the first round.
“I don’t know if my mindset changes a lot. It’s still another tournament. I’m going to treat it like it’s an AJGA, where I’m just trying to come out here and play good golf and see where my game fits in with some of the best players in the world,” Russell said.
That steady outlook helps explain why Russell is considered the best junior in the country — and why he might not be overwhelmed by the moment.
Another promising player, Jackson Koivun, just turned pro this week. He was at the top of the rankings before.
You can stream the first round of US Open 2026 via peacock, USOpen.com and the USGA app, all of which will offer featured group broadcast coverage beginning at 7:29 a.m. ET on Thursday. peacock will also provide a live simulcast of NBCSN’s coverage from 5-8pm ET.
