US OPEN PREVIEW

The third major of the year starts this Thursday at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, and for Ozzie golf fans there are lots of reasons to set the alarm early. Five Australians are in the 156-man field – Adam Scott, Jason Day, Min Woo Lee, Cameron Smith, and Lucas Herbert – and the storylines heading into this week are what you expect from a US Open.

Let’s start with the one that Ozzies will love. When Adam Scott tees it up on Thursday, it will be his 100th consecutive major championship – a feat only Jack Nicklaus has ever achieved. The 45-year-old Queenslander has been playing in every major since the 2001 Open Championship, and the milestone is extraordinary. Jordan Spieth, who is next among active players at 52 consecutive majors, put it like this: “And then you think of doubling that, and it’s insane.” But Scott, being Scott, is not here for the ceremony. He has made his position clear: “I am playing all these majors to win them, not just to show up.” The whole Ozzie golfing nation would love nothing more than to see him mark the milestone with a win.

THE COURSE

Shinnecock Hills is one of the great venues in world golf – a links-style layout on Long Island that rewards creativity, ball-striking and course management above all else. It is hosting the US Open for the sixth time, and the major has previously been won here by Brooks Koepka (2018), Retief Goosen (2004), Corey Pavin (1995), Raymond Floyd (1986) and James Foulis (1896). The rough will be thick, the greens firm, and the wind off the Atlantic will test every player’s patience and shot making. It sets up perfectly for those who can grind.

THE FAVOURITES

Scottie Scheffler is chasing the career Grand Slam and arrives as one of the favourites. He hasn’t been as dominant in 2026 as we’ve grown accustomed to, but when it comes to major week, you simply cannot write him off. Rory McIlroy will attract attention after capturing his second straight Masters, and he has made it clear that what motivates him now is winning at golf’s great courses and Shinnecock Hills certainly qualifies. Jon Rahm is in ominous form after his runner-up finish at the PGA Championship and cannot be ignored.

Beyond that leading trio, Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick and Xander Schauffele are all worthy of favouritism. Fitzpatrick is the 2022 US Open champion and knows how to win this event; Fleetwood has been knocking on the door of a major for years and a links-style test suits his ball-striking beautifully. Ludvig Åberg should also be in the mix at and the big Swede has the length and composure to contend anywhere. Wyndham Clark, the 2023 champion, is another worth keeping an eye on as he knows what it takes to get the job done in this championship.

Bryson DeChambeau is a two-time US Open winner but finds himself probably just off the favourites page after missing the cut at both the Masters and PGA Championship. He will be desperate to rediscover his best at a course that demands the kind of precise, methodical approach he does so well when the game is clicking.

LIV GUYS

A total of 13 LIV Golf players will tee it up at Shinnecock this week. Leading the charge is Jon Rahm, who is one of the genuine contenders for the title, and DeChambeau, both of whom hold exemptions as past champions. Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell – who came through final qualifying for his first major start in six years – are also in the field, along with Tyrrell Hatton, Cameron Smith, David Puig, and Caleb Surratt. Johnson finished solo third the last time Shinnecock hosted in 2018 and is quietly fancying his chances again. It will be fascinating to see how the LIV contingent performs on one of the most demanding tests in world golf.

THE OZZIES

For the Ozzies, Min Woo Lee is the one to watch most closely. He has shown real maturity in his game in 2026, and Shinnecock’s demand for precise iron play and course management suits the West Australian’s skill set beautifully. If he can keep the big weapons holstered when the wind bites, he has the firepower to contend. Jason Day brings his typically dogged US Open experience to the field, and Cameron Smith – in the field via his 2022 Open Championship exemption – will be quietly confident around a course that rewards the creative shot making that defines his game. Lucas Herbert rounds out the Ozzie contingent, having earned his spot via the LIV standings.

Ozzie Prediction: Min Woo Lee. He needs a good start and if the wind is relatively calm his chances improve. The Chef’s short game will be getting a lot of work on this demanding venue but that should set him apart from many of the other contenders.