Who Can Actually Win the 2026 U.S. Open? Recent History Says One of These Four Golfers

The 2026 U.S. Open golf championship tees off Thursday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York, with 156 players competing across the week. Sports Illustrated analyst Tom Dierberger examined the 10 most recent U.S. Open champions to identify common traits among winners, narrowing the likely contenders down to four golfers. Players will begin their rounds from either the 1st or 10th hole, with the champion expected to be crowned by Sunday afternoon.