The 2026 U.S. Open officially began Thursday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, hosting the championship for the sixth time [1, 2, 3, 4]. Brooks Koepka won the last U.S. Open held at Shinnecock in 2018, finishing at one over par [5, 1, 2, 4]. Scottie Scheffler entered as the favorite to win this year’s event with odds near +550 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai, champions of the 2026 Masters and PGA Championship respectively, are also among the top contenders in the field [1, 2, 3, 4].
A reputable golf betting model that has correctly predicted 17 majors entering the 2026 season projects some surprising outcomes. Despite his past success at Shinnecock and five major titles, Brooks Koepka is expected to struggle and not finish in the top 25, contrasting with some sources placing his odds between +2200 and +3000 [4, 1, 2]. Xander Schauffele, listed with odds from +1600 to +1800, is also predicted to falter outside the top five [1, 2, 3]. Conversely, Ludvig Aberg is forecasted to be an unexpected top-3 contender despite missing the 2025 U.S. Open cut and lacking prior major success [1, 2, 3].
On the same day, the 116th RBC Canadian Open commenced at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, serving as the final tune-up before the U.S. Open [6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 5, 11, 12]. The tournament features a total purse of $9.8 million, with $1.764 million going to the winner [10]. The course’s North layout includes four reachable par 5 holes, offering scoring opportunities [10, 11, 12].
Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick are co-favorites for the Canadian Open, with odds ranging from +1200 to +1300 [6, 7, 8, 9, 12]. Sam Burns is also among the favorites at +1500, although the predictive model indicates he may fade due to weak recent form [6, 7, 8, 9]. Other leading contenders include Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, Justin Rose, and Brooks Koepka [6, 7, 8, 9, 10]. Longshot Alex Noren, with +305 odds, is noted for his strong driving accuracy and putting stats [11, 12].
Robert MacIntyre, 29, competes in the Canadian Open after a strong 2025 season that included a runner-up finish at last year’s U.S. Open and contributing to Europe’s Ryder Cup victory [5, 8]. MacIntyre said, "I'm a guy that believes. Having a chance to win a major is what I dreamed of as a kid." He acknowledged recent challenges, with an insider commenting, "I don't think he's got a golf issue going on at the moment, I think he's got life going on." [5]
Both tournaments will proceed through their scheduled rounds this week, with the U.S. Open awarding one of golf’s most coveted major titles and the Canadian Open offering a key prize and final preparation ahead of it.
