U.S. Open 2026: Ranking the entire field at Shinnecock, from No. 1 Scottie Scheffler to No. 156

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   U.S. Open 2026: McIlroy leads power rankings as Scheffler eyes Grand Slam

   Rory McIlroy has risen to the top of pre-tournament power rankings for the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, while Scottie Scheffler remains the favorite chasing a career Grand Slam. Wind conditions are expected to tighten scoring, and a crowded 156-player field includes defending champion J.J. Spaun and recent contenders like Matt Fitzpatrick. Oddsmakers and experts agree on a tiered top tier, though lower-ranked players face long odds against the course's demands.

   What's confirmed:

   • Rory McIlroy is now ranked as the top contender at Shinnecock Hills by multiple power rankings, including SportsOrca and Rotowire.
   • Scottie Scheffler remains the favorite for the U.S. Open title, targeting a career Grand Slam with a strong recent form.
   • Jon Rahm is positioned as a key spoiler in the top tier, capable of challenging both McIlroy and Scheffler.
   • Defending champion J.J. Spaun and recent contender Matt Fitzpatrick are included in the 156-player field, adding depth to the competition.
   • Wind conditions at Shinnecock Hills are expected to strengthen through the week, increasing pressure on scoring.
   • The field includes a mix of favorites, contenders, and hopefuls, with lower-ranked players facing long odds against the course's demands.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Some analysts suggest Scheffler’s dominance could be tested by McIlroy’s aggressive iron play under pressure, though this remains speculative without on-course confirmation.
   • Rumors persist of a tight cut after 36 holes due to the field’s depth, but no official projections have been released.
   • A few pre-tournament models hint at a potential upset from outside the top 20, though no specific names have been identified.
   confidence 92%
2. 7h ago

   U.S. Open 2026: Scheffler Leads Field as Shinnecock Winds Build

   Scottie Scheffler remains the clear favorite at Shinnecock Hills, chasing a career Grand Slam, while Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm loom as spoilers. Wind is expected to strengthen through the week, adding pressure to scoring. The 156-player field includes defending champ J.J. Spaun and recent contenders like Matt Fitzpatrick. Traffic and practice rounds have already signaled heavy fan turnout.

   What's confirmed:

   • Scottie Scheffler is the betting favorite at FanDuel Sportsbook for the 2026 U.S. Open, with odds placing him in a tier above the rest as he pursues a career Grand Slam.
   • Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are identified as key contenders aiming to disrupt Scheffler’s lead, with both ranked among the top betting options.
   • Wind is forecast to build through the week at Shinnecock Hills, potentially complicating scoring and shot-making for players.
   • The field includes 156 players, featuring defending champion J.J. Spaun, Matt Fitzpatrick, and other recent U.S. Open contenders.
   • Only three players have finished under par in the past four U.S. Opens at Shinnecock Hills (1986, 1995, 2004, 2018), suggesting a tough scoring environment.
   • Practice rounds and early fan turnout have already caused traffic disruptions in Southampton, New York, ahead of the tournament.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • A golf model with a 17-major prediction record has reportedly identified an unexpected dark horse in the field, though no name has been confirmed.
   • Some sources suggest Scheffler’s distance gap over rivals on the odds sheet may narrow if wind conditions favor shorter hitters later in the week.
   confidence 88%