The 2026 US Open is set to be a thrilling golf tournament, with some of the world's best players teeing off at Shinnecock Hills in New York. The event promises to be a highly anticipated affair, with several notable players competing for the coveted title. Here's a breakdown of the first-round groupings and tee times, along with some expert commentary and analysis.
The Early Starters
One of the most intriguing aspects of the tournament is the early start times for some of the top players. Rory McIlroy, the Masters champion, will begin his bid for a second US Open title alongside Ryder Cup teammates Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Åberg. This grouping is particularly interesting, as it pits two of the world's best players against each other, with the potential for a fierce battle.
Scottie Scheffler, another rising star in the golf world, will also be an early starter. He will take on the challenge of completing the career Grand Slam, teeing off at 8:14 am with defending champion JJ Spaun and 2025 US amateur winner Mason Howell. This grouping is a strong test for Scheffler, as he will be up against two experienced players in Spaun and Howell.
The Experienced Contenders
Brooks Koepka, the winner of the last US Open held at Shinnecock Hills in 2018, will be a force to be reckoned with. He will be teeing off with compatriots Cameron Young and Chris Gotterup, a strong trio that will be looking to make a statement.
Two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau will also be a key contender. He will be partnering with Viktor Hovland and 2022 winner Matt Fitzpatrick, a formidable grouping that will be aiming to make a strong start to the tournament.
The Rising Stars
PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai will be teeing off at 1:14 pm with past major champions Collin Morikawa and Jason Day. This grouping is a strong test for Rai, as he will be up against two experienced players in Morikawa and Day.
Another notable grouping is that of Justin Rose, who will be partnering with Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm. This trio is a strong contender, with Rose, Spieth, and Rahm all being top-tier players in the golf world.
The Early Start Times
The US Open will begin at 6:35 am, with a two-tee start in operation for the 156-man field over the first two days. This means that the tournament will be a fast-paced affair, with players teeing off at regular intervals.
The TV Coverage
The US Open will be live on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 12:30 pm on Thursday and Friday. The action will continue until at least 1 am during the first two rounds, providing viewers with an extensive amount of coverage.
The final two days of the tournament will also be live on Sky Sports, with the third round starting at 3 pm and the final round starting at 4 pm. This means that viewers will have the opportunity to watch the entire tournament, from start to finish.
The Contenders to Watch
While the early starters and experienced contenders are certainly ones to watch, there are also several rising stars who could make a strong impact on the tournament. Players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are certainly ones to keep an eye on, as they have the potential to make a strong statement early on.
In conclusion, the 2026 US Open promises to be a thrilling tournament, with several notable players competing for the coveted title. The early start times and strong groupings will provide viewers with an exciting spectacle, and the live TV coverage on Sky Sports will ensure that fans can watch the entire tournament from start to finish.
