Who is the defending champion at the 126th U.S. Open?

J.J. Spaun is the defending champion, having won his maiden major title last year at Oakmont.

Is Phil Mickelson playing in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills?

No, Phil Mickelson is not in the field for this edition of the U.S. Open, though his past performances at the venue remain a major talking point.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamJun 16, 2026, 5:03 AM ET

Shinnecock Hills Braces for 126th U.S. Open: Can Grit Trump the Course?

As the U.S. Open returns to the legendary Shinnecock Hills, defending champion J.J. Spaun looks to replicate his gritty Oakmont formula against a punishing setup.

Shinnecock Hills is widely regarded as one of the most demanding tests in major championship golf. As the venue hosts the 126th U.S. Open, players are preparing for a mental and physical grind where par is highly respected and mistakes are severely punished. For the betting markets, this shifting dynamic elevates players who can scramble and maintain composure under extreme pressure over those who rely solely on raw distance.

Spaun Eyes Back-to-Back Titles

Defending champion J.J. Spaun knows exactly what it takes to survive this environment. The 35-year-old American captured his first major title last year at Oakmont by relying on sheer perseverance and a hot putter, punctuated by a dramatic 64-foot birdie putt on the final hole. Despite bogeying five of his first six holes in that final round, he fought back with four birdies in his last six holes. Currently priced at +6300 (DraftKings) to defend his crown, the world number nine believes the same gritty mindset is required this week.

"The biggest thing at US Opens is being resilient, taking all the punches that are thrown at you, taking your medicine," Spaun said on Monday. "It's not going to be easy golf. It's not going to be ho-hum, very boring golf. But the way I persevered and was resilient last year, I've been trying to use that since then. I think I'll lean on that more, especially this week."

The Shadow of Mickelson's Heartbreak

While Spaun prepares his defense, the ghost of past Shinnecock dramas still lingers over the property. Phil Mickelson is not in the field this week, yet his history here remains a focal point. In 1995, a 25-year-old Mickelson stumbled late to tie for fourth. Nine years later in 2004, he was tied for the lead with Retief Goosen with just two holes to play before another late slip relegated him to second place. Though Mickelson won't tee it up this week, his pursuit of major glory continues to draw interest, with his odds for the upcoming Open Championship sitting at +40000 (BetMGM).

Ultimately, success at Shinnecock Hills will require a balance of extreme patience and clutch putting. Players who can accept bogeys without letting their rounds unravel will be the ones lingering near the top of the leaderboard come Sunday afternoon.

Compare the odds

U.S. Open odds →JJ Spaun Phil Mickelson

FAQ

Who is the defending champion at the 126th U.S. Open?: J.J. Spaun is the defending champion, having won his maiden major title last year at Oakmont.
Is Phil Mickelson playing in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills?: No, Phil Mickelson is not in the field for this edition of the U.S. Open, though his past performances at the venue remain a major talking point.