The 2026 U.S. Open is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with a diverse field of 149 players set to compete at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. This year's edition promises to be a true test of golf's elite, with a mix of established stars and rising talents. Here's a breakdown of the full field and the various qualification pathways that have secured their spots.
The Exemptions and Top Qualifiers
The field is filled with a mix of established names and rising stars. Here's a breakdown of the key players and their qualifications:
U.S. Open Champions (10-year exemption)
- J.J. Spaun: A consistent performer who has been a fixture in the top 100 rankings.
- Bryson DeChambeau: Known for his unique playing style and innovative approach to the game.
- Wyndham Clark: A rising star who has shown great promise in recent years.
- Matt Fitzpatrick: A consistent performer with multiple top-10 finishes in major championships.
- Jon Rahm: A Spanish golfer who has been a dominant force on the European Tour.
- Gary Woodland: A veteran player with a strong record in major tournaments.
- Brooks Koepka: A former world number one with a remarkable record in the U.S. Open.
- Dustin Johnson: A consistent top-10 finisher with multiple PGA Tour victories.
These players bring a wealth of experience and a strong track record of success in major championships.
Top 10 and Ties from the 2025 U.S. Open
- Robert MacIntyre: A rising Scottish talent who has shown great potential.
- Viktor Hovland: A Norwegian golfer who has been consistently performing well.
- Cameron Young: A young American player with a bright future.
- Tyrrell Hatton: A British golfer with multiple European Tour victories.
- Carlos Ortiz: A Mexican player with a strong record in Latin American tournaments.
- Sam Burns: A rising star from the U.S. with a strong performance in the 2025 U.S. Open.
- Scottie Scheffler: A young American player who has been consistently performing well.
- Ben Griffin: A veteran player with a strong record in major championships.
- Russell Henley: A consistent performer with multiple top-10 finishes.
These players bring a mix of experience and youthful energy to the tournament.
Masters Champions (5-year exemption)
- Rory McIlroy: A former world number one and multiple major champion.
PGA Champions (5-year exemption)
- Aaron Rai: A veteran player with a strong record in European Tour events.
- Xander Schauffele: A consistent performer with multiple top-10 finishes.
- Justin Thomas: A young American player with a bright future.
Open Champions (5-year exemption)
- Brian Harman: A veteran player with a strong record in major championships.
- Cameron Smith: A rising star from Australia with multiple victories.
- Collin Morikawa: A young American player who has shown great promise.
Other Qualifiers
The list also includes a range of players who have qualified through other means, such as the BMW PGA champion, the Tour Championship field, and multiple winners of PGA Tour events.
The Rising Stars
The 2026 U.S. Open field is filled with rising stars who are making their mark on the golf world. Players like Alex Fitzpatrick, Sahith Theegala, and Sudarshan Yellamaraju are among those who have secured their spots through impressive performances on the PGA Tour and other tours.
The Local Flavor
The final qualifying rounds also include a range of local players from England, Japan, and the U.S., adding a unique flavor to the tournament.
The Final Word
The 2026 U.S. Open promises to be a thrilling event, with a diverse field of players competing for the coveted title. From established stars to rising talents, the tournament will showcase the very best of golf.
Personally, I think the inclusion of local qualifiers adds a special touch to the tournament, bringing a sense of community and local pride. What makes this particularly fascinating is the mix of experienced players and rising stars, creating a dynamic and unpredictable field. In my opinion, the U.S. Open is all about showcasing the very best of golf, and this year's edition will be no exception.
