Rory McIlroy's 15-Year U.S. Open Curse Is Facing Its Toughest Test and Nobody's Safe From Shinnecock Hills
Alright, golf fans, settle in, because the 2026 U.S. Open is already delivering some wild drama out at Shinnecock Hills! We're deep into the second stanza of the golf season, and this third major of the year is proving why it's one of the toughest tests on the calendar. That massive 156-man field, loaded with the best golfers on the planet, is battling across 72 holes in Southampton, New York, and it's not holding back. We even had a brief weather delay on Thursday, but the USGA is still planning to make that cut by Friday evening, so the pressure is ON!
Heavy Hitters and Hot Starts Under Pressure
This course, Shinnecock Hills, it's a beast. It's hosting for the sixth time, and it lives up to its reputation for sure. But guess who’s back to prove he still owns it? Brooks Koepka! He dominated here in 2018, and he’s gotten off to a fine start again. Talk about a guy who knows how to conquer a challenge. Then you've got Dustin Johnson, sitting 2 under and four back of leader Wyndham Clark as we kick off the second day. These guys are circling the top, no doubt.
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And let's not forget about the momentum plays! Xander Schauffele just fired a sick 66, closing his second round strong on Friday morning with a pair of birdies in his last three holes. That’s how you put the heat on the leader, right? Collin Morikawa also closed strong, racking up three birdies on the back nine to join the chase. These guys aren't just playing golf, they're making a statement early on.
The Grand Slam Dream and a Persistent Curse
But the real tension? It’s all about the big names with even bigger goals. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, came in as the clear favorite, like he always does. The dude is chasing the career grand slam, and you know the pressure is absolutely immense on him right now. Every shot matters when you're going for that kind of history!
And then there's Rory McIlroy. Man, talk about a journey. He finally completed his career grand slam last year, in his 11th try in 2025, winning consecutive Masters titles. But the U.S. Open? It's been 15 years since he's hoisted that trophy, and Shinnecock Hills had his number just eight years ago. He's aiming to conquer that course that gave him fits. You can feel the weight of that drought, right?
What's Next for the Weekend Grind?
This isn't just watching golf, it’s watching history unfold on one of the game's grandest stages. We're gonna see who can handle this brutal course and who cracks under the pressure. Round 2 continues Friday, June 19, starting at 6:30 a.m. ET, with coverage on NBC Sports Network from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., then on NBC from 1:30-7:30 p.m. You can also stream Featured Groups live from 7:30 a.m. on USOpen.com or the U.S. Open mobile app. Then Saturday, June 20, Round 3 kicks off at 10 a.m. ET, with early coverage on USA Network from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then NBC from 12-8 p.m. Featured Groups streaming info is TBA for Saturday, so keep an eye out. Don't miss a second of this! Let's see who's got the grit to push through!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.