Scheffler Favored to Win 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills and Complete Career Grand Slam

The 2026 U.S. Open will take place at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, with world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler widely favored by experts to claim victory and complete his career Grand Slam. Scheffler has already won the Masters and PGA Championship, making the U.S. Open the final major needed for the achievement. J.J. Spaun is the defending champion, while Rory McIlroy won the Masters and Aaron Rai captured the PGA Championship earlier in the season.

Multiple golf experts have selected Scheffler as their pick to win, citing his exceptional ability to manage difficult conditions and his dominant play throughout his career. Analysts note that Scheffler's traits of patience, precision, and avoidance of major mistakes align perfectly with what Shinnecock Hills demands. Despite a recent drought in wins—his last 11 starts have been winless by his standards—experts believe the pressure and significance of completing the Grand Slam will drive him to victory. Mark Schlabach predicted Scheffler will win on his 30th birthday, while Curtis Strange emphasized that the demanding course will require both patience and talent, qualities Scheffler possesses in abundance.

However, not all experts unanimously back Scheffler. Some have selected alternative contenders, including Rory McIlroy, who has excelled at the U.S. Open in recent years with seven top-10 finishes in his last eight appearances, and Shane Lowry, whose short-game skills are considered well-suited to Shinnecock's challenging green complexes. Jon Rahm has also emerged as a betting favorite, with some analysts highlighting his long-driving ability as an advantage on the course's lengthy par 3s and par 4s.

Shinnecock Hills is expected to present one of golf's most difficult tests, with firm, fast greens, punishing rough, and steady winds adding layers of difficulty. The course rewards complete ball strikers capable of managing ball flight, hitting accurate long-iron approach shots, and avoiding costly mistakes. Par is anticipated to be a perfectly acceptable score, with experts predicting the winning margin will likely be close to level or slightly under par.