2026 U.S. Open: Experts' picks and betting tips - ESPN

The season's third major — the U.S. Open — is at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.

J.J. Spaun is the defending champion, and Rory McIlroy (Masters) and Aaron Rai (PGA Championship) won the first two majors of the season. Scottie Scheffler heads to Shinnecock needing the U.S. Open to complete the career Grand Slam.

Who do our golf experts think will win? What kind of betting advice does Pamela Maldonado have?

Jump ahead to: Pamela Maldonado's betting and fantasy advice for the week

Tory Cabrera: Scottie Scheffler
Here comes Scottie. The world No. 1 golfer hasn't won in his past 11 starts, which, by his standards, is an eternity. Inconsistent iron play be damned; Scottie harnesses all of his dad energy to complete the career Grand Slam on Father's Day.

Michael Collins: Shane Lowry
Europe continues its dominance in major championships this year. Shane's short game is a perfect fit for Shinnecock's diabolical green complexes.

Jeff Darlington: Scheffler
Shinnecock Hills rewards patience, precision and avoiding big mistakes, which are exactly the traits that have made Scheffler the world's most dominant player.

Michael Eaves: Scheffler
The conditions should be rather challenging, and when courses play hard, Scottie often plays at his best. Plus, he's tired of not winning. It's his time to lift another trophy.

Peter Lawrence-Riddell: Rory McIlroy
His last missed cut at a U.S. Open came at Shinnecock in 2018 when he shot 80-70 to miss the weekend. Since then he's finished inside the top 10 in seven of eight U.S. Opens, including second in 2023 and 2024. He has struggled a bit with accuracy off the tee this year and that won't work at Shinnecock, but the fairways have some width and if the driver can get going,