The 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills once again proved why it is regarded as one of the toughest tests in professional golf. With brutal rough, firm fairways, lightning-fast greens, and relentless pressure, the famous New York venue showed no mercy to some of the biggest names in the sport.
While several stars managed to secure their place for the weekend, many highly regarded players packed their bags early after failing to make the 36-hole cut. Major champions, Ryder Cup heroes, former world No. 1s, and fan favorites were all among those whose championship dreams came to an abrupt end.
Here are 23 notable names who missed the cut at the 2026 U.S. Open:
1. Jon Rahm
One of the pre-tournament favorites, Rahm never found the consistency needed to handle Shinnecock Hills. The former U.S. Open champion struggled throughout the opening two rounds and was eliminated before the weekend.
2. Bryson DeChambeau
Known for thriving on difficult golf courses, DeChambeau was unable to produce the level of golf that earned him previous U.S. Open success. His early departure was one of the week’s biggest surprises.
3. Brooks Koepka
A two-time U.S. Open champion and winner at Shinnecock Hills in 2018, Koepka returned with high expectations. However, he was unable to recreate his past magic and missed the cut.
4. Viktor Hovland
The Norwegian star entered the championship hoping to contend for another major title, but inconsistent play over the first two rounds left him outside the cut line.
5. Adam Scott
The former Masters champion showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in his attempt to reach the weekend.
6. Shane Lowry
Lowry battled hard but could not overcome a difficult start, ending his U.S. Open campaign after just two rounds.
7. Rickie Fowler
One of the game’s most popular players, Fowler struggled to gain momentum and was unable to climb into contention.
8. Patrick Reed
The 2018 Masters champion found Shinnecock Hills to be a difficult challenge and missed the cut despite a determined effort.
9. Min Woo Lee
The Australian entered the week with considerable hype but failed to translate that promise into results on one of golf’s toughest stages.
10. Dustin Johnson
A former world No. 1 and major champion, Johnson showed moments of quality but could not put together two strong rounds.
11. J.J. Spaun
The defending U.S. Open champion saw his title defense end prematurely after failing to reach the weekend.
12. Jason Day
Day’s tournament came to a heartbreaking conclusion when injury forced him to withdraw during his second round.
13. Graeme McDowell
The 2010 U.S. Open champion was unable to recapture the form that once made him a major winner.
14. Pádraig Harrington
The veteran Irishman and three-time major champion struggled against the demanding course conditions.
15. Matt McCarty
Despite arriving in solid form, McCarty found Shinnecock Hills to be a stern examination and missed the cut.
16. Matti Schmid
The German golfer was unable to produce the low scores required to advance.
17. Hennie du Plessis
The LIV Golf player endured a frustrating two days and exited the championship early.
18. Nick Hardy
Hardy never managed to establish momentum and finished outside the qualifying mark.
19. Kevin Roy
A difficult opening round left Roy with too much ground to make up.
20. Preston Stout
The American fought hard but could not survive the cut at his U.S. Open appearance.
21. Jake Peacock
Peacock’s inspiring journey at Shinnecock Hills ended after two rounds as he fell short of the weekend.
22. Matthew Robles
Robles struggled to keep pace with the demanding conditions and missed the cut.
23. T.K. Kim
Kim rounded out the list of notable names eliminated before the championship reached its final two rounds.
The U.S. Open has always been known for rewarding patience, discipline, and precision, and the 2026 edition was no exception. Shinnecock Hills once again demonstrated why it is considered one of golf’s greatest and most unforgiving venues. While many of the sport’s biggest stars were sent home early, those who survived the cut earned the opportunity to continue chasing one of golf’s most prestigious titles.
For players like Rahm, DeChambeau, Koepka, Hovland, Johnson, and Lowry, the disappointment will be significant. Yet in major championship golf, there is little time to dwell on setbacks. Their attention will quickly turn to the next challenge as the road toward future major glory continues.
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