US Open 2026: Elite field assembled at Shinnecock Hills with McIlroy, Scheffler, and past champions

The 2026 US Open golf championship will commence on Thursday at Shinnecock Hills in New York, with a stellar field of international competitors vying for the title. Among the most prominent contenders is Rory McIlroy, the six-time major winner seeking a second US Open title after his 2011 victory. McIlroy will tee off at 12:52 BST on Thursday alongside Ryder Cup teammates Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Aberg, beginning his quest from hole ten.

World number one Scottie Scheffler headlines another marquee grouping, scheduled to play at 13:14 BST with defending champion JJ Spaun. Scheffler has an opportunity to make history this week by becoming the seventh man to complete the career Grand Slam should he secure victory at Shinnecock Hills. The championship will also feature several former US Open champions competing for glory, including Matt Fitzpatrick (2022 winner), Justin Rose (2013 winner), Jordan Spieth (2016 winner), and Jon Rahm (2021 winner). Fitzpatrick will compete alongside two-time winner Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland of Norway in a later grouping at 18:25 BST.

Other notable competitors include England's Aaron Rai, who won the US PGA Championship the previous month, scheduled to tee off at 18:14 BST with fellow major champions Collin Morikawa and Jason Day. Scotland's Robert MacIntyre will also participate in the later wave, beginning his round at 18:58 BST. The championship spans four days from June 18–21, with comprehensive coverage available through BBC Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live for the final two rounds. Players will start from both hole one and hole ten to accommodate the large international field competing for one of golf's most prestigious titles.