Scottie Scheffler targets US Open win on 30th birthday

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler entered the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York, with a chance to complete the career Grand Slam on his 30th birthday, which also fell on Father’s Day. Scheffler, who has already won the Masters twice, a PGA Championship and the Open Championship, said the Grand Slam is not his primary motivation, adding that he wants "to be the best version of myself" and to enjoy the competition. He has finished in the top‑10 in four of his last five U.S. Opens, with a best result of a tie for second in 2022.

Scheffler’s opening‑round group included defending champion J.J. Spaun and amateur Mason Howell. The tournament’s tee‑time schedule placed Scheffler on the early start at 8:14 a.m. ET. Analysts noted his first‑round scoring has been weaker than his final‑round play this season, a factor that could affect his bid. If he wins, he would join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy as the seventh player to win all four majors.

Scheffler has not won a tournament this year since his January American Express victory, though he recorded runner‑up finishes at the Masters, the RBC Heritage and the Cadillac Championship. His comments emphasized the shifting goalposts of expectations and the ongoing desire for new challenges beyond the Grand Slam.