Scheffler Eyes Career Grand Slam as Shinnecock Hills Challenges US Open Field

Posted : 16 June 2026

World number one Scottie Scheffler started his preparations for the 126th US Open at Shinnecock Hills on Monday, taking on the challenging conditions as he pursues a career Grand Slam. The American, who turns 30 on Sunday, can become just the seventh golfer in history to complete the feat if he claims victory this week.

Players faced a stern examination during practice rounds on the 7,440-yard, par-70 course on Long Island. Strong winds, thick rough, and extremely quick greens combined to create difficult scoring conditions despite recent rain and course watering.

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, highlighted the importance of patience and smart decision-making around the greens. He noted that aggressive putting could prove costly and stressed the need for careful course management, particularly with windy conditions expected throughout the tournament. Fitzpatrick added that he hopes the course becomes even firmer and faster, characteristics traditionally associated with the US Open.

Scheffler, already a four-time major champion, earned his first opportunity to complete the career Grand Slam after victories at last year’s Open Championship and PGA Championship. He spent Monday practicing alongside fellow Americans Brian Harman, Marek Fleming, and Chris Gotterup and is scheduled for another practice round on Tuesday.

Former US Open champion Wyndham Clark opted not to play a practice round on Monday, preferring to avoid the unusually strong winds. Clark explained that while wind is always a factor at Shinnecock, the course’s greens present the biggest challenge. He believes success will depend on avoiding three-putts, positioning the ball correctly, and maintaining patience throughout the week.

Defending champion J.J. Spaun spent time studying drone footage of the venue and was impressed by the course’s elevation changes and rolling terrain. He said the visual perspective helped him better appreciate the complexity of Shinnecock’s layout before experiencing it in person.

Fitzpatrick also praised the course for rewarding creativity and shotmaking. According to him, controlling ball flight will be essential, especially with winds blowing from different directions across the layout. He described Shinnecock as a venue that demands a wide range of shots and provides a complete test of a golfer’s skills.

World amateur number one Jackson Koivun is making his final amateur appearance before turning professional next month. The 21-year-old American said his focus is on enjoying the experience while accepting the demanding nature of the course, where even well-executed shots may not always receive favorable outcomes.

The 156-player field was finalized on Monday. Americans JT Poston and Bud Cauley secured spots by moving into the top 60 of the world rankings, while alternates Bryan Lee, Harry Higgs, Spencer Tibbits, Jack Schoenberger, and South Africa’s Hennie Du Plessis were also added to the championship lineup.

Scheffler Eyes Career Grand Slam as Shinnecock Hills Challenges US Open Field

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