Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have emerged as the primary betting favorites for the 126th U.S. Open Championship, which begins its practice rounds today at the historic Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) accepted 10,201 entries for the 2026 championship, a figure just one shy of the record set last year. Championship rounds are scheduled to take place from Thursday, June 18, through Sunday, June 21, on a par-70 layout measuring 7,440 yards.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrived at the venue as the man to beat, carrying +455 odds at DraftKings and +550 at FanDuel as of June 15. A victory this week would secure the career Grand Slam for Scheffler, making him only the seventh player to achieve the feat.
The timing is particularly poignant as his birthday falls on the final day of the tournament. While golf fans watch these odds, others might be tracking developments like Arthur Fils and World Cup updates in the shifting global sports calendar.
Rory McIlroy follows closely in the markets at +940 (DraftKings) and +1000 (FanDuel) as he hunts for his second U.S. Open trophy. McIlroy holds considerable momentum after completing his own career Grand Slam at the 2025 Masters and successfully defending that title earlier this spring.
The statistical win probabilities from Kalshi align with these market leaders, giving Scheffler a 13-14% win probability compared to McIlroy’s 7.2-9.6% chance.
Market leaders and first-round betting projections
Beyond the top two, Jon Rahm remains a significant factor with +1025 odds at DraftKings and +1400 at FanDuel. The depth of the field is reflected in the diverse pricing across major sportsbooks. For instance, Xander Schauffele is listed at +1600 at FanDuel but drops to +1800 at DraftKings.
Similarly, Tommy Fleetwood is priced at +1800 at FanDuel while sitting as a longer shot at +2450 at DraftKings.
Betting interest has also intensified for the first-round leader market. FanDuel currently lists Scottie Scheffler at +1900 to hold the lead after 18 holes. He is followed by Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, who both sit at +2700 for the opening round lead, while Bryson DeChambeau is positioned at +3500. Just as com/2026-mlb-season-preview-world-series-awards-predictions/”>Orioles and Phillies forecasts dominate baseball discussions, these golf projections highlight the narrow margins between the world’s best heading into Thursday.
Defending champion J.J. Spaun faces a much steeper climb according to oddsmakers. Spaun, who won the 2025 title at Oakmont Country Club with a 72-hole total of 1-under-par 279, is currently listed at +4000 at FanDuel and +6000 at DraftKings.
Last year, Spaun was the only player to finish under par, securing a two-shot victory over Robert MacIntyre with a 65-foot birdie putt on the final green.
Historic Shinnecock Hills prepares for 150,000 spectators
Shinnecock Hills is hosting the U.S. Open for the sixth time, following previous championships in 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, and 2018. Over 150,000 attendees are expected throughout the seven-day championship week to witness the field of 156 players face the Southampton winds. The 72-hole stroke play format will see the field cut to the low 60 scores and ties after 36 holes.
Other notable contenders in the field include 2026 PGA Champion Aaron Rai, who is viewed as a long shot at +6000 at FanDuel. Brooks Koepka, a former back-to-back winner of this event, carries +2200 odds at FanDuel and +3400 at DraftKings. Much like how the com/nba-expansion-seattle-vegas-approved-2026-update/”>NBA expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas signaled a new era for basketball, the return to this iconic venue represents a pinnacle for the current generation of golfers.
The USGA has confirmed that if players remain tied after 72 holes, a two-hole aggregate playoff will determine the champion. Fans can follow the action via NBC, USA Network, and the Golf Channel, with digital streaming provided by Peacock and the USGA App.
With the practice rounds now underway, the focus shifts to whether Scheffler’s dominance can withstand the rigors of one of golf’s most demanding tests.
