Rory McIlroy during Round 1 of the 2026 U.S. Open. Image: Reuters
Rory McIlroy during Round 1 of the 2026 U.S. Open. Image: Reuters

U.S. Open live day one updates: Clark leads Fitzpatrick after McIlroy starts brightly at windy Shinnecock

The 126th U.S. Open begins in Long Island, New York, on Thursday. Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are among the early starters in round one.

It's time for the third men's major of the year. 

The 126th U.S. Open is being staged at Shinnecock Hills in Long Island, New York, for the first time since 2018. 

Back then, America's Brooks Koepka triumphed, beating England's Tommy Fleetwood by one stroke. 

Tournament officials were heavily criticised eight years ago, with some players in the field accusing the USGA of "losing the golf course". 

Former Masters champion Zach Johnson complained that the course setup crossed the line from being extremely difficult to unfair. 

Farcical scenes included Phil Mickelson hitting a moving ball on the 13th green. 

This year, though, the USGA say they are determined to avoid a repeat of 2018. 

Scottie Scheffler is the favourite to win the 2026 U.S. Open
Scottie Scheffler is the favourite to win the 2026 U.S. Open

This week, world number one Scottie Scheffler is the pre-tournament betting favourite to clinch the gold medal on Sunday evening. 

Scheffler, 29, a four-time major winner, is bidding to complete the career grand slam on the first attempt. 

In his pre-tournament news conference, though, the American played down his motivations to join the exclusive club, insisting that he simply just wants to be the best version of himself. 

Scheffler will have no shortage of challengers. Reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy, 37, is looking to win his first U.S. Open title in 15 years. 

Bryson DeChambeau is looking to win his third U.S. Open title
Bryson DeChambeau is looking to win his third U.S. Open title

The world number one were are among the early starters on Thursday. 

McIlroy signed for a one-under 69 whilst Scheffler posted a 72. 

Two-time major champion Xander Schauffele was among those to impress in the afternoon wave. 

Wyndham Clark, the 2023 winner of the U.S. Open, also started brightly. 

Follow live updates below.

18 Jun 2026
13:54
Play will resume soon...

We're just getting word play will resume at 9:05am local time. 

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13:20
We're still waiting for the fog to clear

A reminder that play has been suspended on day one of the 2026 U.S. Open due to fog. 

It shouldn't be too long before play resumes. 

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13:16
Brooks Koepka's chances

There's been plenty of chatter this season about Brooks Koepka. 

Koepka became the first major champion to quit LIV Golf and returned to the PGA Tour in January. 

Since then, the 36-year-old has played pretty well but - by his own admission - has been terrible on the greens. 

Last week, Koepka played his way into contention after 36 holes at the RBC Canadian Open but had to withdraw with a hand injury. 

Koepka, who last won a major at the 2023 PGA Championship, told reporters in his pre-tournament news conference that he's he believes the ulnar nerve on his left hand "just flared up a little bit". 

"I don’t think the grip strength is a hundred percent, but it’s good enough," said Koepka. 

"It’s fine. There’s no pain. There’s absolutely no pain, which is kind of the weirdest part of this whole thing."

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12:58
Get involved!

A reminder that you can send us your thoughts in the comment box at the bottom of this page

Let us know who you think wins the 2026 U.S. Open. 

My prediction? 

Tyrrell Hatton. 

12:54
Which Scottie Scheffler will turn up?

There's no denying that in 2026 Scottie Scheffler has not been the dominant force he has been. 

Whilst the 29-year-old has racked up multiple top-five finishes, he only has one win under his belt at the American Express. 

So what's going on?

Brandel Chamblee, of Golf Channel, offered an interesting theory...

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12:51
Big names missing the U.S. Open

The 156-man field features the very best players in the world, some top amateurs and some veterans who made their way through final qualifying. 

There are also some high-profile players that didn't make it. 

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are the most notable absentees. 

Check out the others here

Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods
12:45
USGA's plan to tame Shinnecock Hills

On Wednesday, the USGA announced their contingency plan to ensure that the 2026 U.S. Open presents a firm, yet fair, test over the course of the championship. 

Chief championship officer, John Bodenhamer, said the USGA will syringe the greens on Thursday and Friday. 

But what does that mean? Our Brad Nash has more here

12:36
What is the weather forecast on day one?

It doesn't look like it will take too long for the fog to clear. 

The early starters will be desperate to get going as the conditions are otherwise relatively calm. 

The breeze is expected to pick up by midday. 

12:32
Play suspended

Due to fog, round one has been suspended. 

The next update is expected in around 20 minutes. 

12:28
Hello

And welcome to today's live page where we'll be taking you through the first round action of the 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. 

Reigning Masters champion Rory McIlroy will tee off soon. 

Here is the 37-year-old arriving for his warm-up. 

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