US OPEN 2026: all you need know

The 126th US Open returns, bringing golf’s toughest major back to the iconic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.

Renowned for brutal conditions, punishing rough, and lightning-fast greens, this year’s championship promises another stern examination of the game’s elite — where par is often the ultimate benchmark of success.

DATE: 18-21 June

VENUE: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York

BROADCAST DETAILS (all times SA, CAT, GMT+2)

* Stream all the action LIVE on DStv *

Day 1 - Thursday 18 June

Early Coverage | SS Golf - 14:00-18:00

Main Feed | SS Golf – 18:00-02:00 | SS Grandstand - 18:00-02:00

Day 2 - Friday 19 June

Early Coverage | SS Golf - 14:00-18:00

Main Feed | SS Golf - 18:00-03:00 | SS Grandstand – 20:00-03:00

Day 3 - Saturday 20 June

Early Coverage | SS Golf - 16:00-18:00

Main Feed | SS Golf - 18:00-02:00 | SS Grandstand - 18:00-02:00

Day 4 - Sunday 21 June

Early Coverage | SS Golf - 16:00-17:00

Main Feed | SS Golf - 17:00-01:00 | SS Grandstand - 17:00-01:00

THE COURSE

Shinnecock is one of golf’s most historic venues, previously crowned champions including Brooks Koepka (2018), Retief Goosen (2004), and Corey Pavin (1995).

Its defining traits: Exposed layout with constantly shifting winds, firm, sloping greens that punish imprecision and wide-looking fairways that demand accurate positioning rather than power.

Winning here is less about birdie streaks and more about limiting mistakes — historically, only two winners at Shinnecock have finished under par.

SCHEFFLER CHASING HISTORY

World No 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives as the clear favourite and could complete a career Grand Slam with victory.

His consistency and elite ball-striking make him ideally suited to Shinnecock’s demands.

MCILROY, RAHM AND THE MAJOR ELITE

Rory McIlroy enters as Masters champion but is chasing his first US Open title since 2011.

Jon Rahm remains a perennial major contender.

Brooks Koepka, winner here in 2018, brings proven pedigree at this venue.

A WIDE-OPEN FIELD

The field blends top-ranked professionals, major winners and global stars and qualifiers emerging from “Golf’s Longest Day”.

Nearly half the field traditionally earns entry through qualifying, adding unpredictability and fresh storylines each year.

Defending champion JJ Spaun — winner at Oakmont in 2025 — returns, though as a relative outsider.