Shinnecock Hills Golf Club showcased its challenging nature during the 2026 U.S. Open, leading to surprising early exits for top players, including Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. The cut line settled at 4 over par, making it a tough week for many competitors.

Bryson DeChambeau faced early struggles, returning to finish his first round at 1 under but ultimately posting a 70. His second round unraveled quickly, characterized by back-to-back double bogeys on the 3rd and 4th holes, leading to a disappointing 75. This marked his third consecutive missed cut in major championships, raising concerns as he heads to Royal Birkdale.

Jon Rahm, who started strong with a 2-under 68 in the first round, suffered a dramatic collapse. Despite a solid start, he fell apart on the back nine, recording four bogeys and a double from holes 12 to 16, finishing with a 78. His missed opportunity leaves him reflecting on what went wrong after a promising start to the tournament.

Other notable players who missed the cut included:

• Viktor Hovland (+5)
• Rickie Fowler (+5)
• Harris English (+5)
• Shane Lowry (+6)
• Patrick Cantlay (+6)
• Brooks Koepka (+10)

Brooks Koepka, a past champion, struggled with a 73 and a 77, while defending champion J.J. Spaun also failed to advance. The conditions at Shinnecock Hills allowed for scoring opportunities, leaving many players frustrated with their performances.