Who won the last U.S. Open held at Shinnecock Hills?

Brooks Koepka won the most recent U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in 2018.

What is the course record at Shinnecock Hills?

Tommy Fleetwood holds the course record with a 7-under 63, which he shot during the final round in 2018.

Who was the first Black player to compete in the U.S. Open?

John Shippen was the first Black player to compete in the U.S. Open, playing at Shinnecock Hills in 1896.

MajorsBy the GolfOdds Editorial TeamJun 22, 2026, 8:04 AM ET

Shinnecock Hills Demands Ultimate Mental Toughness for U.S. Open

As the U.S. Open returns to the grueling Shinnecock Hills, past champions and early practice rounds prove that mental resilience and short-game precision will decide the week.

The U.S. Open returns to the historic and grueling landscape of Shinnecock Hills, where 156 of the world's best golfers will face one of the most demanding tests in major championship history. Built on the ancient burial grounds of the Shinnecock Nation, this links-style masterpiece has tested players since 1896, when pioneer John Shippen became the first Black player to compete in the championship. This week, all eyes are on world number one Scottie Scheffler +480 (FanDuel), who is looking to break an 11-event winless stretch and continue his chase for a career Grand Slam.

Early practice rounds have already highlighted the quirky and punishing nature of the course. On the par-4 10th hole, which features a massive drop-off and a fairway sloping into a turf pit, Xander Schauffele +1800 (Bovada) and his caddie Austin Kaiser had to throw a water bottle into the air to communicate yardages back to the tee. Adam Scott +7000 (Bovada) described the approach as intimidating, noting that players will feel scared even with a wedge in hand. Jordan Spieth +6000 (Bovada) was also among the early arrivals trying to decode the layout.

The Ultimate Test of Mental Toughness

Historically, surviving Shinnecock Hills requires immense mental fortitude. Past champions here are defined by their resilience. Raymond Floyd won in 1986 with a legendary glare and a brilliant wedge game, while short-hitter Corey Pavin ground out a victory in 1995. Retief Goosen famously one-putted his final six greens to win in 2004. Brooks Koepka +6500 (DraftKings), who is playing through a hand injury that forced him to withdraw from the RBC Canadian Open, won here in 2018. Koepka defined a tough golfer as a guy that doesn’t let the previous shot affect the next shot.

Scrambling and Scoring History

Precision and scrambling will be paramount this week. Tommy Fleetwood +1800 (FanDuel) showed what is possible by shooting a course-record 7-under 63 on Sunday in 2018, but such rounds are incredibly rare. In five previous U.S. Opens at Shinnecock, only three players have finished the entire week under par. To contend, players like Masters champion Rory McIlroy +750 (DraftKings) and PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai +4500 (Bovada) must display elite short-game skills and unwavering patience to survive this brutal setup.

Compare the odds

RBC Canadian Open odds →U.S. Open odds →Tommy Fleetwood Brooks Koepka Aaron Rai Scottie Scheffler Rory McIlroy Xander Schauffele Jordan Spieth Adam Scott

FAQ

Who won the last U.S. Open held at Shinnecock Hills?: Brooks Koepka won the most recent U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in 2018.
What is the course record at Shinnecock Hills?: Tommy Fleetwood holds the course record with a 7-under 63, which he shot during the final round in 2018.
Who was the first Black player to compete in the U.S. Open?: John Shippen was the first Black player to compete in the U.S. Open, playing at Shinnecock Hills in 1896.