10 outsiders to watch at the 2026 US Open
By: Derek Clements | Edited: Mon 15 Jun 2026
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The US Open is arguably the hardest major to win on account of the lightning-fast greens and punishing rough the field will face.
It is usually won by a household name but there have been some surprising champions over the years. Here are 10 outsiders who could cause a shock.
Lucas Herbert
Odds: 175/1
Massively underrated Australian who has won on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf. It should surprise nobody if he is in the mix come the weekend.
Mason Howell
Odds: 1,500/1
Hugely gifted US Amateur champion who is surely destined for great things but whose target this week will be to make the weekend.
Matthew Jordan
Odds: 300/1
Jordan is one of the best iron players I have ever seen and should have won far more than he has. If it all clicks this week he could surprise a few people.
Graeme McDowell
Odds: 1,000/1
The Northern Irishman won in 2010 and turned the clock back by coming through qualifying to make it to Shinnecock Hills but will not have too many expectations.
David Puig
Odds: 110/1
Talented Spaniard who plays on LIV but has won on the DP World Tour this season. Like all Spaniards, he possesses a magical short game.
Alex Smalley
Odds: 110/1
Finished runner-up to Aaron Rai at the US PGA Championship and will be looking to take the confidence he gained from that into the year’s third major.
Adam Scott
(Image Credit: Rolex)
Odds: 70/1
The Australian will be competing in his 100th successive major this week, becoming just the second golfer after Jack Nicklaus to accomplish that feat. It is an incredible achievement.
Sam Stevens
Odds: 225/1
The 29-year-old American is one of the most consistent players on the PGA Tour but, unbelievably, is still looking for his first victory. He couldn’t, could he?
Patrick Rodgers
Odds: 350/1
His solitary win came on the Korn Ferry Tour 11 years ago but, like Stevens, Rodgers makes top-10 finishes for fun. That he has the game is beyond doubt, but does he possess the required self-belief?
Manav Shah
Odds: 2,500/1
Shah nearly became a doctor but instead opted to focus on golf. It has been a long and largely unsuccessful journey but he came through qualifying to make it to Shinnecock Hills this week. A feel-good story.
Odds supplied by Betfred.
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About the author
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
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