2026 U.S. Open Live Leaderboard and Scores

Who are the favorites to win the 2026 U.S. Open?

Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young are three names likely to be at the forefront of many people's minds as the U.S. Open descends on Shinnecock Hills.

This tournament is the only major that has eluded Scheffler, who has now been world number one for over 175 weeks, though he has registered four top-10 finishes in just six starts-including a second place finish at Brookline in 2022.

READ: Winners and Losers From First Round of the 2026 U.S. Open: Wyndham > Wind

McIlroy won a second straight Masters in April and he looks like a completely different player in the majors now that he doesn't have the pressure of completing the Grand Slam weighing him down.

As for Young, he's one of the PGA Tour's form players-a Players Championship win in March was followed up with a dominant six-stroke victory at the Cadillac Championship in May-and the quality of his iron play could make all the difference as the world's elite are put to the test in Long Island, New York.

England's Matt Fitzpatrick is also having a terrific season and will expect to contend, as will the big-hitting Jon Rahm.

More Golf from Sports Illustrated

• USGA New Rules System Set to Speed Up Pace of Play at Majors
• LIV Golf Star Gets Rare Two-Stroke Penalty at U.S. Open for Throwing a Fit on the Course
• Winners and Losers From First Round of the 2026 U.S. Open: Wyndham > Wind
• Rory McIlroy Blames Wind and Thanks It After Strong U.S. Open Start
• 2026 U.S. Open Payouts: How Much the Winner and Players Who Miss Cut Get Paid at Shinnecock

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 12:53 PM.