The Underdog Angle: The Fitzpatricks and Fleetwood Could Surprise at Shinnecock

Shinnecock Hills will challenge the field at the 126th U.S. Open this weekend with one of the most demanding tests in golf. The PGA Tour's East Coast swing, which included the PGA Championship at Aronimink one month ago, has featured a fresh group of contenders rising to the top of the leaderboard.

Beginning with England's Aaron Rai and his three stroke victory over an elite field to capture the season's second major championship, many of golf's biggest names have remained surprisingly quiet. Rory McIlroy's valiant effort at Aronimink in pursuit of the second leg of the career Grand Slam was followed by a two week hiatus. Former LIV players such as John Rahm, along with current LIV stars Cameron Smith and Sergio Garcia, appear caught in uncertainty regarding the future of the Saudi funded circuit.

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour continues to move forward, and just as Rai demonstrated with his impressive victory, the Fitzpatrick brothers, Matt and Alex, have consistently remained near the top of leaderboards throughout the season.

Shinnecock Hills will challenge the field at the 126th U.S. Open this weekend with one of the most demanding tests in golf. The PGA Tour's East Coast swing, which included the PGA Championship at Aronimink one month ago, has featured a fresh group of contenders rising to the top of the leaderboard.

Beginning with England's Aaron Rai and his three stroke victory over an elite field to capture the season's second major championship, many of golf's biggest names have remained surprisingly quiet. Rory McIlroy's valiant effort at Aronimink in pursuit of the second leg of the career Grand Slam was followed by a two week hiatus. Former LIV players such as John Rahm, along with current LIV stars Cameron Smith and Sergio Garcia, appear caught in uncertainty regarding the future of the Saudi funded circuit.

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour continues to move forward, and just as Rai demonstrated with his impressive victory, the Fitzpatrick brothers, Matt and Alex, have consistently remained near the top of leaderboards throughout the season.

Fresh off a runner up finish at the RBC Canadian Open at TPC Toronto, Matt Fitzpatrick fired a six under par 65 on Sunday and appears ready to carry that momentum into Long Island for the U.S. Open. His younger brother Alex finished fourth at the Truist Championship in early May, one shot ahead of fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, who placed fifth.

Fitzpatricks, Fleetwood Bring Momentum to US Open

English golfers are naturally accustomed to links style conditions, and Shinnecock Hills may be the closest American equivalent to that style of golf among major championship venues. Any tee shot that falls short or strays from the fairway can leave players battling heavy fescue and difficult lies. The course features lengthy par threes exceeding 250 yards, while the greens, much like those at Aronimink, are lightning fast and shaped in ways that can punish even well struck approach shots.

Success at Shinnecock will belong to the player who remains composed in the face of strong ocean winds and consistently hits fairways and greens in regulation. Experience in challenging conditions could prove invaluable.

With that in mind, smart money may be on the English contingent. Matt Fitzpatrick, Alex Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, and Aaron Rai have all demonstrated the ability to handle difficult weather and demanding course setups throughout 2026. As the U.S. Open approaches, each represents an intriguing value play for outright wagers and tournament parlays.

English golfers are naturally accustomed to links style conditions, and Shinnecock Hills may be the closest American equivalent to that style of golf among major championship venues. Any tee shot that falls short or strays from the fairway can leave players battling heavy fescue and difficult lies. The course features lengthy par threes exceeding 250 yards, while the greens, much like those at Aronimink, are lightning fast and shaped in ways that can punish even well struck approach shots.

Success at Shinnecock will belong to the player who remains composed in the face of strong ocean winds and consistently hits fairways and greens in regulation. Experience in challenging conditions could prove invaluable.

With that in mind, smart money may be on the English contingent. Matt Fitzpatrick, Alex Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, and Aaron Rai have all demonstrated the ability to handle difficult weather and demanding course setups throughout 2026. As the U.S. Open approaches, each represents an intriguing value play for outright wagers and tournament parlays.