The 2026 U.S. Open is upon us, and the question on everyone's mind is: Who will emerge victorious? While the field of 156 players is vast, a closer look at the data reveals a smaller group of contenders. By analyzing the last 10 U.S. Open champions, we can identify key criteria that separate the winners from the rest. These criteria include age, experience, and performance metrics. In my opinion, the following four golfers have the best chance of winning the 2026 U.S. Open:
Matt Fitzpatrick (31 years old): Fitzpatrick is a seasoned veteran, having played in 12 U.S. Opens. His performance in previous tournaments, including a top-25 finish, and his current ranking in multiple categories (6th in APP, 3rd in T2G, and 6th in true strokes gained) make him a strong contender. As an added bonus, he's already a U.S. Open champion, having won in 2022.
Jon Rahm (31 years old): Rahm is another experienced golfer, with 10 U.S. Open appearances under his belt. His impressive rankings in true strokes gained (2nd), T2G (4th), OTT (10th), and APP (10th) showcase his all-around skills. Rahm's previous U.S. Open victory in 2021 further solidifies his status as a top contender.
Scottie Scheffler (29 years old): Scheffler is chasing history, aiming to become the seventh golfer to achieve the career grand slam. While he doesn't have a U.S. Open win yet, his T2 finish in 2022 and his current dominance in total strokes gained (1st) and OTT (4th) make him a force to be reckoned with. Scheffler's age and peak athletic performance make him a serious threat.
Cameron Young (29 years old): Young is a rising star, aiming to win his first major. With a strong showing in last year's U.S. Open (4th place) and impressive rankings in total strokes gained (4th), OTT (2nd), and T2G (5th), he has the skills and experience to compete. Young's age and recent success position him as a potential dark horse.
In my view, these four golfers have the combination of experience, skill, and performance metrics that make them the most likely winners of the 2026 U.S. Open. However, as the saying goes, anything can happen in golf, and upsets are always possible. The tournament promises to be an exciting spectacle, and I, for one, can't wait to see who emerges as the champion.
