The life of being to radar, someone in front below it, has taken renovation.
“It was crazy, yeah, I was thrown into the open, we were thrown into a different place than what I was used to,” said JJ Spaun. “So it’s been a little bit – it’s been fun, but it’s also a challenge at the same time trying to balance, like, what’s it like to be a top golfer now – who’s considered a top golfer now. It’s a little bit confusing for me. I’ve always been an underdog, who’s been able to hide in the shadows, but now, it was like in the beginning, and in the beginning, from the beginning this guy has to be seen, this guy has to – you know, he’s a top 10 player in the world like, this the boy should play well.
“So I’m putting a lot of pressure on myself to start the year off of what I did last year. But I try to let it go and remember that I can play well as long as I get out of my way. Resting and trying not to be too controlled by the outcome really helped me settle into the early spring here.”
This week at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Spaun returns to where he broke ground last year – the US Open. Before last year’s win at Oakmont, he had won just once, and according to golfodds.com, he started the tournament with odds of 150-1. But he finished the week as the only top-ranked player, has won again, and, as he noted, is the 10th best player in the world.
The question is, is it possible that last year’s winner was from last year? In the history of the US Open, there have only been seven back-to-back singles players.
Again, Spaun said Shinnecock reminded him a bit of Oakmont.
“I think it will be good,” he said defensively. “I only defended once. It was just – it’s like coming home. You like to remember your success, and everyone likes to see you, and people want to talk to you and there’s a lot of attention and focus on you.
“But yeah, I don’t know. I think it’s something to enjoy, because I don’t think a lot of guys, I mean, it’s hard to be able to defend a big championship or, I mean a big event. So I’m going to try to enjoy it, keep working hard and stick to my plan and add them to the end and see what happens.”
With that in mind, each of our staff members has made a long selection below to help you with your weekly picks, whether that’s for a low-level office fantasy party, or (legally!) a big-money bet at a sportsbook. It is an exciting endeavor for us. Use it as you wish.
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2026 US Open sleep selection
PGA Tour golfers aren’t the only ones who can do it 💰 starting next Thursday. You can do it too! Here are a few tips. https://t.co/uldLYRZvRh
— Nick Piastowski (@nickpia) June 5, 2020
Alan Bastable
Choosing to sleep: Adam Scott, +10,000. He didn’t play in the 1896 US Open at Shinny – it sounds like that. Look for Scotty to make some noise in what will be his 100th (!) big start.
Josh Behow
Choosing to sleep: Cameron Smith, +8,000. Also, back to those tricky situations, which shouldn’t scare Cam Smith. He’s had a tough couple of years but he showed us at the PGA Championship that he still has the power to pull it off.
Adam Christensen
Choosing to sleep: Alex Fitzpatrick +9,000. Before last week’s Canadian Open, Alex Fitzpatrick played five PGA Tour events this season and finished in the top 10 four times, three of which were in non-birdie tournaments. The confidence is huge, so long term, I’ll take the guy riding over anyone else at this price point right now.
James Colgan
Choosing to sleep: David Puig, +12,500. The last time the US Open went to Shinnecock, we saw the best final round of all time by a young, rising player with international talent. His name was Tommy Fleetwood. He is tied for second, but the performance is focused on my memory of the kind of intelligence that can come from being tough under the Shinny light. I like Puig’s chances.
Jack Hirsh
Choosing to sleep: Sahith Theegala, +15,000, Are we serious about these mistakes? Sahith had a bad year in 2025 but has responded with multiple top-10s so far this year. I’ve seen him put it all together in a US Open setup that rewards great play.
Jessica Marksbury
Choosing to sleep: Russell Henley, +4,500. These mistakes are a little tight for a real sleeper, but I like the details of Henley going to the Open. He is the most accurate driver on Tour, and hitting the fairways will be huge at Shinnecock. And, he’s in the midst of a great season, with a win at the Charles Schwab Challenge and four top-10 finishes and nine top-25 finishes in 13 events.
Zephyr Melton
Choosing to sleep: Shane Lowry, +6,600. Does Shane Lowry qualify as a sleeper? Whatever it is. It will be windy, so those links-golf skills should come in handy. I can see the Irishman running.
Jake Morrow
Choosing to sleep: Sungjae Im, +12,500. He plays better golf than people think, and the course allows for aggressive play, which is Sungjae’s specialty.
Nick Piastowski
Choosing to sleep: Gary Woodland, +12,500. If you’ve read this space before, you’ll know that I love a good story line. And Woodland’s victory at the US Open could be the best story.
Josh Schrock
Choosing to sleep: Adam Scott +10,000. Playing in his 100th consecutive major, I expect Scott to play smart, disciplined golf and be a factor this weekend. Aside from the missed cut at Aronimink, Scott has been playing well, including a tie for fourth at Doral and a tie for 12th at Memorial. He was there on Sunday in Oakmont last year and I think it will be the same story on Long Island.
Johnny Wunder
Choosing to sleep: David Puig, +12,500. This will be his coming out party. Like Rahm, he is a high ball hitter but may have the best short game in the world. He’s tall, well placed and if his metal game is in order, you’ll see his name right in the mix. This kid is a DAWG.
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