GolfOdds
MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial Team

Shinnecock Hills Claims Big Names as U.S. Open Cut Line Looms

Bryson DeChambeau and defending champion J.J. Spaun face weekend exits at Shinnecock Hills, while other stars scramble to survive.

Shinnecock Hills is once again proving to be an uncompromising test. During Friday's second round at the 2026 U.S. Open, several of golf's biggest names found themselves on the wrong side of the weekend cut line, dramatically shifting the live betting landscape. With the projected cut hovering around 4-over par, players who safely navigated the early rounds are positioned to capitalize on the misfortune of struggling superstars.

Two-time champion Bryson DeChambeau +2800 (BetMGM) is among the most notable players in danger of an early departure. After a promising even-par 70 on Thursday, DeChambeau struggled to a 5-over 75 on Friday. His round derailed early with consecutive double bogeys on the third and fourth holes, both caused by poor chip shots. Despite a birdie on the fifth, further bogeys on the 6th, 13th, 15th, and 17th holes left him at 5-over par overall. A missed 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole sealed his fate at 5-over, putting him in serious jeopardy of missing his third consecutive major championship cut.

Major Champions Flirt with the Cut Line

DeChambeau is not alone in his struggles. Defending U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun also found himself on the wrong side of the projected cut line as Friday's play progressed. Meanwhile, other marquee players entered the second round with very little margin for error. Scottie Scheffler +480 (FanDuel) started his Friday on the back foot after a rocky 2-over 72 in the opening round, which was marked by uncharacteristic scrambling and wayward ball-striking.

Similarly, major champions like Jordan Spieth +6000 (Bovada) and Brooks Koepka +6500 (DraftKings) entered the second round needing strong performances to secure their weekend tee times. While the 2018 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills saw the cut line rise to a grueling 8-over par, conditions this year suggest a much lower threshold, leaving no room for recovery for those who falter early. For bettors looking at live markets, the struggles of these top-tier players open up value on the steady performers already safely inside the cut line.

FAQ

What is the projected cut line for the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills?
The projected cut line is expected to hover around 4-over par, which is significantly lower than the 8-over par cut line seen at Shinnecock Hills in 2018.
Why is Bryson DeChambeau in danger of missing the cut?
DeChambeau shot a 5-over 75 in the second round, leaving him at 5-over par overall. His round was plagued by poor chipping, leading to back-to-back double bogeys on the third and fourth holes.