U.S. Open live updates: Star-studded leaderboard packed on windy Round 1

Can Scottie Scheffler complete golf’s career grand slam in his first attempt or will the U.S. Open produce another unexpected winner like J.J. Spaun a year ago? As we saw on Thursday, weather will play a part.

The third major of 2026 has teed off at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, with first-round action on Thursday, June 18. Scheffler is the heavy pre-tournament favorite to capture the only major trophy he hasn’t won as a professional, but Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau are also among the contenders. 

The first groups teed off at 6:35 a.m. ET and then had play suspended for about two hours due to heavy fog. Given the windy conditions already expected during the first round, and the USGA’s annual edict to make the U.S. Open a grueling test for the world’s best golfers, there will be a premium on scoring. Keep in mind that no golfer finished above par when Brooks Koepka won the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. 

USA TODAY Sports is tracking all the groups out on the course during Round 1 on Thursday, with live updates, highlights, and the latest scoring and leaderboard updates here:

US Open 2026 live leaderboard

*started on 10th tee(a)-amateur

• T1. Sam Stevens: -2 (F)*
• T1. Ryder Cowan (a): -2 (11)*
• T1. Wyndham Clark: -2 (7)*
• T1. Xander Schauffele: -2 (6)
• T5: Rory McIlroy: -1 (F)*
• T5. Ludvig Åberg: -1 (F)*
• T5. Brian Harman: -1 (F)*
• T5. Max Greyserman: -1 (F)*
• T5. Ben James: -1 (F)*
• T5. Niklas Nørgaard: -1 (12)
• T5. Collin Morikawa: -1 (8)*
• T5. Aaron Rai: -1 (6)*
• T5. Preston Stout (a): -1 (8)
• T5. Ryan Fox: -1 (8)
• T5. Ryo Hitasune: -1 (5)
• T6. Jon Rahm: -1 (5)*
• T6. Marcelo Rozzo: -1 (4)

You can get the latest leaderboard updates and tee times here.

No lead is safe at US Open

We are back to a tie atop the leaderboard. All it took was a bogey at No. 2for Ryder Cowan to come back to earth and slide back to four-way tie for first. Not bad company, however, as he joins Sam Stevens, Wyndham Clark and Xander Schauffele.

Amateurs having a day at US Open

Of the 20 amateurs to make the US Open, and the 156 golfers in the field, two have made the leaderboard with Ryder Cowan at No .1 and Preston Stout sitting at tied for sixth. Giuseppe Puebla, even through two, and Arni Sveinsson, +1 through three, are also adding to the intrigue.

Who is Ryder Cowan?

The current US Open leader is a senior out of the University of Oklahoma. According to the US Open website, he has recent accolades under his belt, namely a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Corvallis Regional and runner-up distinction at the Valspar Collegiate Invitational.

Ryder Cowan grabs control of lead

It's been a windy day on the course and a tumultuous one amid the leaderboard. Conditions have pushed the score to beat as 3-under par. And wouldn't you know it, it's amateur Ryder Cowan to grab what may be a fleeting gift, considering the movement at the top. But he is 8-for-8 so far on hitting fairways.

DeChambeau arrives, ties for the lead atop the leaderboard

Bryson DeChambeau is having a great start amid tough conditions. After going par on his first two holes off No. 10, he birdied both 12 and 13 to go 2-under on the day. He is now in a seven-way tie on a packed leaderboard.

Bryson DeChambeau bombs drive for 427 yards

Bryson DeChambeau figured out how to deal with the winds, with pure power. He drove his first shot 427 yards on No. 12, leading to a useful birdie on the hole.

Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun finish rough U.S. Open first round

Scottie Scheffler's day could have been better. Battling wind, fog and the Shinnecock terrain like the field, he added five bogeys and a double bogey on No. 8 to his card. Still, at the end of Thursday, he managed to save 2-over par and is in the mix heading into Round 2.

J.J. Spaun, in defense of the U.S. Open title, had a humbling day, finishing at 7-over par. That will have him on the bubble entering Friday's cut

Rory McIlroy drops US Open Round 1 lead on final holes

Rory McIlroy had another roller coaster round at a major, starting Thursday at the 2026 U.S. Open with two birdies followed by two bogeys on his first nine holes. Then he found a groove on his back nine, taking a two-shot lead at one point.

But back-to-back bogeys at No. 8 and No. 9 put something of a damper on what was shaping up to be a fine performance from McIlroy. Those miscues have given Sam Stevens the outright lead at 2-under for the moment.

When is Bryson DeChambeau's tee time at U.S. Open?

DeChambeau just teed off at the 10th hole as part of the 3:25 p.m. ET group at the 2026 U.S. Open along with Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick. They'll play the back nine at Shinnecock Hills first.

Rory McIlroy drops into 3-way tie atop US Open leaderboard

McIlroy will head to his final hole of the first round coming off his first bogey since making the turn. An approach shot that sailed long at No. 8 was compounded with a bad lie in the rough behind the green for McIlroy's ensuing chip shot. He left it short and wound up with a tap-in bogey. Sam Stevens and Ben James also sot at 2-under for the tournament after McIlroy's dropped shot.

Keith Mitchell's crazy US Open Round 1

Keith Mitchell just carded an even par 70 for his first round at the 2026 U.S. Open, which is an admirable result given the conditions at Shinnecock Hills throughout Thursday. But Mitchell had probably the wildest opening 18 holes of the tournament so far, and it might not be beaten the rest of the tournament.

Mitchell began his Round 1 on the back nine with a double bogey at No. 10. He was +4 through five holes. He made the turn at +6. Then he turned it all around.

Mitchell had four birdies and an eagle on his final nine holes of the first round, including a birdie putt on his last hole to get back to even par. Given the conditions at this year's U.S. Open, going from the cut line to contention only takes stringing together a few good holes in a row.

Sam Stevens is an unexpected U.S. Open contender

The leader in the clubhouse at the moment is Sam Stevens, who finished off a round of 2-under 68 with a birdie on his final hole of the day. His score is even more impressive when you consider he had a double bogey on his first hole Thursday while starting in the midst of the two-hour fog delay.

McIlroy takes hold of the lead at US Open

It was a par 5 that gave Rory McIlroy the chance at the lead, which he promptly took with an eagle at No. 5. The putt came after a 396-yard drive of the tee.

Sam Stevens holds top of leaderboard, McIlroy steady

Shinnecock Hills and the winds it welcomes have been no friend to the field. Still, Sam Stevens has taken advantage so far and, through 15, is 2-under par, which is good for the lead.

Although that's a tenuous distinction as Rory McIlroy joins Ludvig Åberg and Ben James at one shot back.

US Open weather update: Forecast calls for difficult conditions

AccuWeather suggests that conditions will still be an issue this afternoon: "Stiff winds with clouds giving way to sun; gusty winds will continue to pose problems for golfers."

Wind gusts for the afternoon may hit up to 35 mph.

Filippo Celli impressive shot on No. 7

Filippo Celli came within an inch of a spectacular hole-in-one on the par-3 seventh hole. He settled for a birdie, bringing his score to 2-over par.

Ludvig Åberg grabs solo lead at 2026 US Open

One of the PGA Tour's rising stars searching for his first major win is back atop the U.S. Open Round 1 leaderboard. Ludvig Åberg is alone at 2-under after his third birdie over his first 10 holes. His past two birdie putts have been from 30 feet away from the cup.

What time does Bryson DeChambeau tee off today?

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are among the big names on the course during the morning tee times at the 2026 U.S. Open. Bryson DeChambeau will join them during the afternoon wave of groups at Shinnecock Hills, with his tee time now scheduled for 3:25 p.m. ET along with Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick.

Brooks Koepka joins crowded US Open leaderboard

A Ludvig Åberg bogey has created an eight-way tie atop the 2026 U.S. Open Round 1 leaderboard. Brooks Koepka, the U.S. Open champion in 2018 at Shinnecock Hills, is among those leaders after back-to-back birdies on No. 5 and No. 6 offset a bogey at No. 4. Rory McIlroy has dropped back to even par after two bogeys negated his two early birdies.

Mason Howell out-drives Scottie Scheffler

American Mason Howell, the 2025 U.S. Amateur champion, is showing off a huge driver playing in a featured group with Scottie Scheffler and J.J. Spaun during the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open.

Howell uncorked a 384-yard drive on the par 4 No. 3 at Shinnecock Hills and followed it up with a 376-yard drive on the par-5 fifth hole. He out-drove Scheffler on both shots, with the first eventually leading to a tap-in birdie and the latter drive ending up 50 yards longer than what Scheffler mustered off the tee.

Wind impacts scores at 2026 U.S. Open

The winds are picking up more at Shinnecock Hills, with golfers having to adjust to gusts that can change from hole-to-hole and even shot-to-shot within the same hole. Scoring, as expected, has been difficult with birdies hard to come by and mistakes punished even more so by the conditions.

Eight of the golfers on course are under par at the moment and more than 50 are over par through the first few hours of play during the first round.

Ludvig Åberg off to strong start at US Open

Ludvig Åberg, playing in a group with Rory McIlroy, has joined Sam Burns as a co-leader in the early portion of the first round at the 2026 U.S. Open. Aberg has two birdies over his past three holes, including a 30-foot putt at No. 15 to move to 2-under for the tournament.

Rory McIlroy, Sam Burns early US Open co-leaders

Rory McIlroy has birdied again to move to 2-under through three holes after starting his first round at the 2026 U.S. Open on the back nine. He hit a birdie putt of nearly 26 feet on No. 12. Burns, meanwhile, is also taking advantage of beginning his round on the 10th tee, knocking an approach shot to within seven feet of the hole at No. 13 for his second birdie of the round.

Has Scottie Scheffler won the US Open?

No. The U.S. Open is the only golf major Scottie Scheffler has not won at this point in his career. The 2026 U.S. Open will be his first attempt to complete the sport's career grand slam after he won the PGA Championship and The Open Championship in 2025.

Only six golfers have completed golf's career grand slam: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Who is Miles Russell?

There's an interesting amateur on the course early at Shinnecock Hills. American amateur Miles Russell, 17, is the youngest golfer in the field this week after qualifying for the U.S. Open in a 3-for-2 playoff at BallenIsles Country Club in Florida.

Russell grabbed headlines because he had Charlie Woods, the son of Tiger Woods, serve as his caddie during qualifying. Both are committed to play college golf at Florida State together. Russell opted to use his swing coach on the bag for the U.S. Open.

Russell had his highest finish in a pro event with a tie for 15th at the Korn Ferry Tour Club Car Championship earlier this year. Russell became the youngest player to ever make the cut at a Korn Ferry tournament as a 15-year-old in 2024 and promptly notched his first top-25 finish in a professional event.

Rory McIlroy early birdie in U.S. Open Round 1

McIlroy is on the board with his first birdie of the 2026 U.S. Open after sinking an 11-foot putt on No. 11 (his second hole of the first round). McIlroy is playing in just his fourth event since winning The Masters for the second-straight year in April 2026.

How to watch US Open 2026

The 2026 U.S. Open will be broadcast nationally on NBC, USA Network and NBCSN, with live streaming coverage available on Peacock, Fubo, USOpen.com and the U.S. Open app.

All times Eastern

Round 1: Thursday, June 18

• 5:30 a.m.-4 p.m. — USA Network, Peacock, Fubo
• 4-7 p.m. — NBCSN, Peacock, Fubo

Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler start Round 1 at US Open

The world's best two golfers are out on the course at Shinnecock Hills to begin their 2026 U.S. Open. Scottie Scheffler's group with defending U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun just teed off and Rory McIlroy began his first round a short while ago with a par on No. 1. McIlroy missed a long birdie attempt. This is Scheffler's first attempt to complete golf's career grand slam.

New Round 1 tee times for Scheffler, McIlroy, DeChambeau

The two-hour delay caused by heavy fog to start the first round of the 2026 U.S. Open has pushed back all the tee times scheduled for Thursday. Rory McIlroy will start off the 10th tee at Shinnecock Hills beginning at 9:52 a.m. ET. Scottie Scheffler is now slated to tee off at 10:14 a.m. ET. Bryson DeChambeau won't start his Round 1 until 3:25 p.m. ET.

Click here for a complete look at the new Round 1 tee times at the 2026 U.S. Open.

U.S. Open resumes after play suspended

The horn has blown at Shinnecock Hills and golfers are back on course playing at the 2026 U.S. Open after a two-hour weather delay related to heavy fog. The 6:57 a.m. ET tee times are on their opening hole as play resumes.

U.S. Open to resume after fog delay

The 2026 U.S. Open is set to resume at 9:05 a.m. ET, the USGA announced, after a two-hour weather delay related to heavy fog at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York

U.S. Open suspended, remains in 'holding pattern'

USGA rules official told the USA Network broadcast that the 2026 U.S. Open will continue in its current "holding pattern," with play suspended due to fog. Roberts said the foggy conditions have improved on some holes, but have worsened on other locations of the course at Southampton Golf Club.

U.S. Open still suspended

The weather delay related to heavy fog at the 2026 U.S. Open has lasted more than an hour, with tournament officials saying another update will come at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Play suspended at U.S. Open

U.S. Open play has been suspended due to heavy fog and reduced visibility in the landing zone on course. Players had the option of finishing the hole they have started, with many opting to do so. There were 12 golfers on course at Shinnecock Hills.

Heavy fog threatens to suspend play

After 30 minutes of play, the U.S. Open officials are evaluating whether the fog is too dense to continue the early wave of action because the landing zone is not visible.

How to watch 2026 U.S. Open: TV, live streaming schedule

The 2026 U.S. Open will be broadcast nationally on NBC, USA Network and NBCSN, with live streaming coverage available on Peacock, Fubo, USOpen.com and the U.S. Open app.

All times Eastern

Round 1: Thursday, June 18

• 5:30 a.m.-4 p.m. — USA Network, Peacock, Fubo
• 4-7 p.m. — NBCSN, Peacock, Fubo

US Open tee times today

Notable groups for Thursday's round. For a full list of tee times, see pairings here.

First Tee

• 7:19 a.m. — Padraig Harrington; (a) Miles Russell; Cameron Smith
• 7:30 a.m. — Brooks Koepka; Cameron Young; Chris Gotterup
• 7:41 a.m. — Daniel Berger; Keegan Bradley; Rickie Fowler
• 7:52 a.m. — Patrick Reed; Andrew Novak; Kurt Kitayama
• 8:03 a.m. — Harris English; Adam Scott; Nick Taylor
• 8:14 a.m. — (a) Mason Howell; Scottie Scheffler; J.J. Spaun
• 1:47 p.m. — Justin Thomas; Hideki Matsuyama; Xander Schauffele
• 1:58 p.m. — Nicolai Højgaard; Nico Echavarria; Robert MacIntyre
• 2:09 p.m. — J.T. Poston; Patrick Cantlay; Billy Horschel

10th Tee

• 7:30 a.m. — Sungjae Im; Lucas Herbert; Kristoffer Reitan
• 7:41 a.m. — Sam Burns; Tyrrell Hatton; Si Woo Kim
• 7:52 a.m. — Rory McIlroy; Ludvig Åberg; Tommy Fleetwood
• 8:03 a.m. — Alex Noren; Maverick McNealy; Sepp Straka
• 1:14 p.m. — Aaron Rai; Collin Morikawa; Jason Day
• 1:25 p.m. — Bryson DeChambeau; Viktor Hovland; Matt Fitzpatrick
• 1:36 p.m. — Dustin Johnson; Wyndham Clark; Gary Woodland
• 1:47 p.m. — Joaquin Niemann; Alex Smalley; Shane Lowry
• 1:58 p.m. — Akshay Bhatia; Carlos Ortiz; Min Woo Lee
• 2:09 p.m. — Justin Rose; Jordan Spieth; Jon Rahm

Is Tiger Woods playing at the US Open?

Fifteen-time major champion Tiger Woods will not compete in the U.S. Open Golf Championship, which will be held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, this weekend. Woods did not submit an entry for the event and is not anticipated to make an appearance at the third major of the year.

Earlier this year, Woods also missed both the Masters Tournament and the PGA Championship due to ongoing health concerns and personal matters. With his absence at the U.S. Open confirmed, it is likely that he will not participate in the British Open later this summer.

The last time Woods played in a major was at the 2024 Open Championship, where he failed to make the cut at Royal Troon Golf Club in Troon, Scotland. Since then, a combination of injuries and off-the-course issues have kept him from returning to competitive play.

Woods is currently in Switzerland undergoing advanced treatment with pain management specialists to address lingering issues from multiple severe car accidents earlier in his career. Woods reportedly began this treatment in April 2026, shortly after being arrested in March near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida, on suspicion of misdemeanor DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test following a car accident. --- Elizabeth Flores

US Open streaming options

The 2026 U.S. Open will be broadcast nationally on NBC, USA Network and NBCSN, with live streaming coverage available on Peacock, Fubo, USOpen.com and the U.S. Open app.

All times Eastern

Round 1: Thursday, June 18

• 5:30 a.m.-4 p.m. — USA Network, Peacock, Fubo
• 4-7 p.m. — NBCSN, Peacock, Fubo

Where to watch US Open on TV

The 2026 U.S. Open will be broadcast nationally on NBC, USA Network and NBCSN, with live streaming coverage available on Peacock, Fubo, USOpen.com and the U.S. Open app.

Ranking 2026 US Open featured groups, tee times

Where Bryson DeChambeau can hit this week, and where he might be headed, will again be among the most compelling potential angles when he competes outside of LIV Golf for the first time since another missed cut at the PGA Championship. His play hasn't matched his notoriety in recent outings at the majors, and DeChambeau's uncertain future hangs over the PGA Tour more than any other LIV golfer given his YouTube popularity and pedigree.

Perhaps Scottie Scheffler's latest pursuit of the career grand slam and Rory McIlroy's grouping with two of his top Ryder Cup teammates will become more fascinating subplots to emerge since USGA officials released tee times and groupings for the first two rounds of the 2026 U.S. Open. But DeChambeau's fate will be a focus regardless of how he performs, with his ability to keep the ball in the fairway critical to his success.

Here's a ranking and breakdown of the 10 best groups to watch in Round 1 of the 2026 U.S. Open.

US Open predictions: Best bets, sleepers

CBS Sports: Ludvig Aberg (+2000)

"Aberg has been red-hot this spring, finishing in the top 10 in six of seven tournaments between the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the PGA Championship. He ranks second on the PGA Tour in total strokes gained, and he's been exceptional off the tee, ranking second in total driving strokes gained and 12th in average driving distance."

BetMGM: Russell Henley (+4500)

"In his last five U.S. Opens, he finished 14th or better four times, including a top-10 at Pinehurst in 2024. As noted by Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy at the Memorial, hitting fairways is paramount at Shinnecock. Henley leads all PGA Tour players in driving accuracy this season."

Vegas Odds: Patrick Reed (+4000)

majors. Reed will be playing in his 12th U.S. Open this year, and he has made the cut on ten occasions. His best finish to date came when he finished fourth in 2018 when the event was held at Shinnecock Hills. A return to the course, and his reliable record this calendar year, make him a standout selection when making picks."

U.S. Open sleeper picks

Russell Henley (+3,500)

Ten golfers have better odds than one currently ranked No. 5 in the world. Henley is a popular choice this week because he's proven to be adept in the windy conditions expected this week, plus his accuracy off the tee and with his irons are well-suited for Shinnecock Hill. Henley has five top-10 finishes at majors since 2024, including third place at The Masters this year, and won the Charles Schwab Challenge last month. He could be due to break through at a big event.

Patrick Reed (+4,000)

Who's playing the best among the golfers who finished in the top five the last time Shinnecock Hills hosted the U.S. Open in 2018? It might be Reed, in the midst of returning to the PGA Tour after leaving for LIV Golf. Reed was in contention at various times during the first majors of the 2026 season.

Chris Gotterup (+4,500)

Gotterup sits at No. 11 in the world golf rankings entering the U.S. Open (and reached as high as No. 5 earlier this year). He considers this a local major after growing up in New Jersey and his skills off the tee should come in handy at Shinnecock Hills. Gotterup already has two top-10 finishes in six career major starts.

Joaquin Niemann (+6,600)

Nobody has won more tournaments on the LIV Golf tour than Niemann, who captured his eighth title earlier this month at LIV Golf Korea. The 27-year-old hasn't been able to translate that success to the majors with only one career top-10 finish, but he's long been considered a rising star in golf. There's good value with Niemann due to his poor track record in the biggest tournaments, perhaps rightfully so.

Aaron Rai (+8,000)

There are currently 32 golfers in the field that currently have better odds to win the 2026 U.S. Open than the surprise PGA Championship winner. Rai's driving accuracy — he's second on the PGA Tour this season — should serve him well at Shinnecock Hills.

Jake Knapp (+10,000)

Knapp hasn't played in a PGA Tour event since April due to injury, but he was in the midst of his best season as a pro leading up to that point with five top-10 finishes in nine starts. Knapp "quietly blends the two most-important things that lead to success in a U.S. Open, great ballstriking and elite putting," writes Golfweek's David Dusek.