US Open tips 2026: Best first-round leader bets

The best players in the world are ready to tee it up at the third major of the year as Shinnecock Hills hosts the US Open.

Shinnecock Hills will host the US Open for the sixth time this week as the best players prepare to head to Long Island New York for the third major of the season.

The venue first staged the event in 1896 and it was Brooks Koepka who won last time here in 2018 with a score of 1+ for the week.

Scottie Scheffler is the overwhelming favourite to win the only major that has alluded him thus far. If he does win the title, he will join the Career Grand Slam club.

Last year, J.J Spaun was the surprise winner. Might there be another first-time major winner this week? Or will one of the favourites emerge victorious?

In this article, we have selected three players to consider in the golf betting market for the first-round leader.

Xander ready to add major number three to his collection

Xander Schauffele finally made his major breakthrough in 2024, winning both the PGA Championship and the Open.

Since then, he hasn’t quite been at his best, although the American did secure a top-ten at the Masters and Open in 2025, while finishing T9 at Augusta and T7 at the PGA this year.

He ranks 24th on tour for round one scoring average (69.50) and in 2023, Schauffele shot a wonderful 62 in the first round at Los Angeles Country Club at the US Open to hold the lead.

At the US Open, Schauffele has finished in the top ten after round one on five occasions between 2017 and 2024 and lay 13th after round one at Shinnecock in 2018.

Don’t be surprised to see the two-time major winner get off to another hot start at this tournament.

Tip 1: Xander Schauffele @ 33/1

Russell Henley can make major breakthrough

In 2018, Russell Henley was the first-round leader at Shinnecock after opening with an impressive 69.

Three years later at Torrey Pines, Henley once again led the way at the US Open with an opening 67 in California. In the end he finished T13 at the tournament.

Henley certainly enjoys this major, missing the cut only twice in 12 appearances and he finished T7 in 2024 before sealing another top-ten at Oakmont last year.

With a T3 at the Masters earlier this year, Henley is edging ever closer to winning a first major and the US Open could be the perfect chance for him to do so.

He won the Charles Schwab Challenge a few weeks ago and the American will be fresh after taking last week off. 

Another strong start is certainly on the cards for Henley.

Tip 2: Russell Henley @ 40/1

Alex Fitzpatrick enjoying himself in America

The elder Fitzpatrick won this tournament in 2022 and now Alex is aiming to follow in his footsteps.

Fitzpatrick won the Hero Indian Open in March and then teamed up with his brother at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The week ended in the siblings securing a stunning win and this gave Alex an exemption through to the end of 2028 on the PGA Tour.

His form since then has been nothing short of superb. Indeed, he has finished fourth at the Truist Championship and T6 at the Memorial a few weeks ago. Add in a T9 at the Cadillac Championship and then a T20 at the Canadian Open a few days ago, Fitzpatrick has settled into life on the PGA Tour in wonderful fashion.

With zero pressure on him entering his first US Open, Fitzpatrick could spring a surprise or two by opening up with a solid round and leading after round one.

Tip 3: Alex Fitzpatrick @ 66/1