U.S. Open Big Board Names 30 Contenders for 2026 Shinnecock Test

Q: Can an injured Brooks Koepka repeat his 2018 victory at the formidable Shinnecock Hills?

Brooks Koepka can contend at Shinnecock Hills, but repeating his 2018 U.S. Open victory looks unlikely unless his hand holds up far better than expected. The strongest case for him is clear: Shinnecock suits his major-championship style. He won there in 2018, embraces difficult setups, and has said he still feels capable of playing at the level he showed in his peak years. He also believes his ball-striking is strong, and his comfort with the course’s demands for creativity, trajectory control and patience matters on a layout where par is often a good score. The problem is the injury. Koepka withdrew from the RBC Canadian Open with what he described as an ulnar nerve issue affecting his left hand, particularly the ring and pinkie fingers. He has said there is no pain and that he can hold a club again, but he also admitted his grip strength is “not a hundred percent” and that numbness has been part of the issue. On a course expected to play in heavy wind with punishing greens and exacting recovery shots, compromised grip strength is a serious concern. His recent form adds to the uncertainty. He has had an inconsistent season, with limited top results, and he was not widely picked among the leading favorites this week. Against a field led by Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and other in-form contenders, Koepka’s margin for error is small. He has the pedigree and course history to threaten, but the injury makes a repeat a long shot rather than a likely outcome.

Q: Will decorated amateur Jackson Koivun conquer golf's toughest test in his final amateur start?

Probably not to the point of winning, but Jackson Koivun has a realistic chance to make a strong final amateur statement at Shinnecock Hills. The evidence cuts both ways. Koivun arrives as one of the most accomplished amateurs in recent memory: DataGolf’s top amateur since 2010, a two-time sweep winner of the Haskins, Hogan and Nicklaus awards, a three-time SEC individual champion, and a player who already earned a PGA Tour card. He also has meaningful pro-level experience, with multiple top-10 finishes in PGA Tour events, which suggests his game can travel beyond college golf. Just as important, his mindset appears better suited to a U.S. Open than it was a year ago. After missing the cut by one shot at Oakmont in 2025, Koivun has said he now better understands that at a U.S. Open, par is often a very good score and that mistake management matters as much as shot-making. That maturity is significant at Shinnecock, where wind, severe greens and exacting pin positions punish impatience. Still, “conquering” Shinnecock is a very high bar. Koivun had not seen the course until this week, and the field is led by proven major champions such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick. Most expert previews place Koivun in the intriguing amateur category, not among the true title favorites. The fairest expectation is that Koivun can contend for low-amateur honors and possibly make the weekend. Winning the championship would be a major upset.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 17

Thirty players were highlighted as realistic 2026 U.S. Open contenders, with Scottie Scheffler framed as the central storyline as he chases a career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday.
Shinnecock Hills shapes the preview because the course has historically punished scoring: Brooks Koepka won at 1 over in 2018, Corey Pavin at even par in 1995, and Raymond Floyd was the only player under par in 1986.
Matt Fitzpatrick, Cameron Young, Xander Schauffele and Jon Rahm were among the strongest picks, backed by recent form, major-winning pedigree or repeated U.S. Open success.
The board also elevated course-fit candidates such as Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Justin Thomas, arguing that wind, missed greens and par-saving putts from 5 to 10 feet should decide the week.
Broader intrigue comes from a deep field that includes defending champion J.J. Spaun, PGA champion Aaron Rai, top amateur Jackson Koivun and former Shinnecock winner Koepka, whose hand injury clouds his chances.