4 things to know about Round 1 of the 2026 US Open
The first round of the 2026 US Open – after a brief fog delay – is officially underway at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, as Long Island’s iconic course welcomes its sixth championship. What follows is a grueling four-day battle against golf’s toughest test. Players will need a lot of patience if they hope to win, as only three golfers in USGA history have finished under 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 on Thursday at Shinnecock.
Importance of Shinnecock
Considered one of the most beautiful — and most sought after — courses in the country, the importance of Shinnecock Hills goes beyond its admiration or stunning architecture. Founded in 1891, it is the oldest golf club in the country. Shinnecock made golf history again in 1894 when it became one of the first five member clubs of the USGA, then known as the Amateur Golf Association of the United States.
This week’s winner will not only earn a spot on the US Open trophy alongside the event’s champions. They will be part of a unique legacy, as Shinnecock remains the only course to host the US Open in the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.
Scottie’s quest for a grand slam
After winning the 2025 PGA Championship and the Open Championship, Scottie Scheffler finds himself on the doorstep of history – one win away from a career Grand Slam. Despite a disappointing finish at the Memorial last week, Scheffler has already won this season and 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-time Grand Slam champion is not what drives Scheffler, according to comments he made at a press conference Tuesday.
“For me, it would be a dream to win the US Open? Yes. But at the end of the day, like me – the grand slam has never been something that inspires me,” said Scheffler. “I’ve always wanted to be the best version of myself, and that’s gotten me this far.”
The conditions will keep things interesting
Designed by William Flynn in 1931, Shinnecock’s building feels more like it belongs somewhere on the coast of the British Isles than on the South Fork of Long Island. As with many of his designs, Flynn relied heavily on the natural landscape and existing features, using them to enhance an already difficult experiment.
As an example, a three-hole course series that exposes players to changing winds and puts every aspect of their game to the test. This week is no different. Even with extended roads, players know how quickly conditions can change.
“There will be a lot of storms … especially if it’s a little bit stronger, [the fairways are] they’re going to play a lot slower than the 45-yard range they’re measuring at,” Rory McIlroy said at a press conference on Tuesday. There’s a lot of different slide angles. So even though it’s wider and has a lot of range, it has the ability to play a lot slower.”
If the course dries out, the narrow, sloping greens may claim fewer victims, and players will inevitably find themselves in the thick of the fairways. Needless to say, players and fans would be wise not to underestimate the potential carnage of this course.
Novices are off the charts
The US Open always has an amazing group of novice golfers, and this year is no exception. There are 20 newbies in 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 thoughts heading into the first round.
“I don’t know if my mind is changing too much. It’s still another tournament. I’ll treat it like the AJGA, when I try to come here I’ll play good golf and see where my game stacks up against the best players in the world,” Russell said.
That steady outlook helps explain why Russell is considered the top junior in the country — and why he might not be overwhelmed at that point.
Another promising player, Jackson Koivun, just made it this week. He was at a high level before.
You can stream the first round of the 2026 US Open via Peacock, USOpen.com and the USGA app, which will provide live coverage of the group beginning at 7:29 a.m. ET on Thursday. Peacock will also provide live simulcasts of NBCSN broadcasts from 5-8 pm ET.
