2026 US OPEN

The 126th US Open is in the books and with it comes storylines as thick as the fescue present throughout the famed Shinnecock Hills. The historic course, situated within the Hamptons on Long Island which was once home to hundreds of duck farms (be sure to check out the Big Duck off Route 24 if you’re ever in the area), has hosted the US Open 6 times spanning back to 1896 with James Foulis winning the 36 hole tournament shooting 78 and 74. 

In addition to the pesky thick grass known as fescue, winds presented  an ongoing challenge for the Tour players and their caddies. Mother Nature ensured this variable was a large part of the equation in round 1 and made things even more difficult during the remainder of the tournament as winds changed directions making each hole play differently each day. Yardage for the course is listed as 7440 yards but can play much longer due to the coastal winds. 

“Cashmere” Keith Mitchell took a page out of Charles Dickens “A Tale of Two Cities” during round 1 and posted a 41 and 29 to reach par and could only be described as “the best of times and the worst of times.” He ended even for the tournament and placed T4 with the likes of Scottie Scheffler and JT Poston.

Miles Russell, a 17 year old amateur, had an amazing few weeks. He qualified with his friend Charlie Woods on the bag, made the cut at a PGA Major Championship, and then paid the greatest respect to his father who helped him make it all happen. Before his final round on June 21, 2026 Father’s Day, Miles reached out to PGA officials to ask a simple question…could he switch caddies for one hole during the tournament. The answer was yes and Miles made the move to surprise his Dad on the final hole of the tournament by asking him to carry his bag after hitting his tee shot. His caddie found his Dad behind the ropes and handed over the bib and the bag. He then quickly caught up to Miles, both smiling as they made their way down the fairway, Caddie and Player…Father and Son. 

Finally congratulations to the winner, and now 2 time US Open Champion Wyndham Clark. Say what you will about his previous anger management issues, Oakmont C.C. outside of Philadelphia PA certainly does. They recently presented the winner of their Spring Tournament with a trophy made from the shattered pieces of the locker Mr. Clark destroyed at their facility. But with the help of his sports psychologist, close circle of coaches, and new Ping putter Wyndham has overcome setbacks and obstacles that had previously stood in his way. He had to battle fierce competition, rugged varying winds, a challenging track, a round suspension and extra holes the following day due to, and the emotions that come as a human performing on the grandest of stages. 

He is only the 9th wire to wire US Open winner, threw down a 64, 69, 70, and 73 to go -4 and win by 1 stroke over Sam Burns, and saved pars with putts as long as 14’1”, 7’3”, and 6’9” with his new Scottsdale Tec AllyBlue Onset Putter. His actions and words in the past have brought haters to heckle him both inside and outside the ropes, but it is his most recent actions and words that are causing those who used to root against him to rethink who they are rooting for. Today redemption is spelt C-L-A-R-K. 

Golf Thoughts from Matty the Caddie