The 2026 U.S. Open golf tournament will be held at Shinnecock Hills in New York from June 15 to June 18, 2026, with the first round tee times announced by the PGA Tour. Top players including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are set to compete, while UK and Ireland viewers can watch the opening day starting at 12:00 PM GMT, according to Sky Sports.
What Are the 2026 U.S. Open Tee Times?
The first round at Shinnecock Hills will begin on June 15, 2026, with tee times distributed across three starting groups. The morning wave kicks off at 7:00 AM ET, while the afternoon and evening groups start at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM ET, respectively. The PGA Tour confirmed the schedule, emphasizing the course’s challenging layout and the need for strategic play.
UK and Ireland viewers will see the first round start at 12:00 PM GMT, aligning with the 7:00 AM ET start time. ESPN and Sky Sports have secured live coverage, with detailed broadcasting schedules available on their platforms.
Who Are the Top Contenders?
Scottie Scheffler, the 2024 Masters champion, and Rory McIlroy, a four-time major winner, are among the favorites to claim the 2026 U.S. Open title. Both players have expressed confidence in their ability to adapt to Shinnecock Hills, a course that has hosted the tournament three times since 1984. The U.S. Golf Association (USGA) highlighted the venue’s reputation for testing players’ precision and mental resilience.
Other notable entrants include Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, and Jordan Spieth, all of whom have previously performed well at major championships. The USGA’s official website notes that Shinnecock Hills’ undulating fairways and fast greens will require “exceptional short-game skills and course management.”
How to Watch the First Round?
Live coverage of the 2026 U.S. Open will be available on ESPN in the United States and Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. Broadcasters will provide real-time updates, player interviews, and expert analysis throughout the tournament. Viewers can also access live scores and highlights via the PGA Tour’s official app and the USGA’s website.
For international audiences, the tournament will be streamed on PGA Tour Live and the USGA’s digital platforms. The first round’s tee times, as confirmed by the PGA Tour, will be broadcast across multiple channels to ensure global accessibility.
Why Shinnecock Hills Matters
Shinnecock Hills’ return as the U.S. Open host marks its third appearance in the event’s history, following 1984 and 2018. The course, designed by William Flynn, is renowned for its strategic hazards and demanding layout. In 2018, the tournament saw a record 13 players finish at 1-over par, underscoring the challenge it presents.
The USGA’s decision to return to Shinnecock Hills reflects its commitment to hosting the championship at venues that balance tradition with modern golfing standards. The 2026 event is expected to draw record crowds, with the USGA reporting a 20% increase in ticket applications compared to 2018.