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2026 is gearing up to be a fantastic year for golf fans. Earlier in the spring, Rory McIlroy did what many never thought possible, by winning back-to-back Masters’ titles, securing his second green jacket in the process.

With the Northern Irishman rolling back the years and looking every bit as sharp as he did decades ago, it’s easy to see why many of the bookmakers are tipping him to win the US Open next month in Southampton, N.Y.

The US Open is one of the four major golfing championships and is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the golfing calendar. This year, the 126^th US Open will take place at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, N.Y. It will be the first time the tournament has returned to this links style course since 2018, which saw Brooks Koepka emerge victorious.

Playing conditions on this par-70 course are notoriously tricky, which only adds to the excitement as a spectator. With McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler leading the odds, who do the bookies expect to win, and who might be worth a punt as an outsider? Let’s find out.

Scottie Scheffler

Currently, it is world number one, Scottie Scheffler whom the bookmakers are tipping as the favourite to win the US Open in June.

Scottie is a player with a proven track record when it comes to big tournaments, and he’s a player that doesn’t buckle under pressure, but rather, he thrives upon it. 2026 may not have started out as promisingly for him as in previous years, but he has still looked very threatening. His consistency off the tee is as good as we’ve ever seen, and his composure on the greens could be the difference maker.

Having secured multiple titles over the last couple of years, including a gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games, and a PGA Championship, a Masters title, and his fourth major at the 2025 Open Championship, it’s clear to see the 29-year-old means business.

Perhaps the biggest deciding factor, however, will be the fact that the US Open is the one major that has eluded him thus far. You’d best believe he has his sights set on the grand slam.

As the favourite, Ladbrokes and BetVictor both currently have Scottie at 4/1 odds.

Rory McIlroy

A few years ago, many were calling Rory McIlroy “washed up” and “past his prime”, then he went and won his first Masters, followed by another the next year. It’s safe to say, the old Rory is back, and he might be sticking around.

The US Open is a tournament that Rory likely holds near to his heart, as this was the first major he won as a pro, when he won in 2011 aged just 25. Despite winning every other major out there, and narrowly missing out in 2024, he has yet to win the title for a second time. This could be his year. His iron work has improved immensely, as has his putting. If he can steady the nerves with the driver, he could be in with a very real shot.

Currently, BetVictor have Rory at 7/1, while Ladbrokes have him at 15/2.

Jon Rahm

Jon Rahm is currently third fav to win in N.Y, with Ladbrokes and BetVictor both currently providing 11/1 odds.

Following on from the shocking LIV Golf news earlier this month, and considering he has faced criticism for focussing on YouTube golf rather than pro golf, he will likely have a point to prove.

Rahm himself is no stranger to this tournament, as it too was his first major title in 2021.

Outside Pick – Tommy Fleetwood

For those looking for an outsider with great odds and a very real chance of winning the tournament next month, Tommy Fleetwood is a great shout.

Tommy is yet to win the big one, but as Rory’s performances over the last few years have showed us, anything goes in golf. Tommy’s short game has improved immensely, and he is chipping as well as we’ve ever seen. He also put on a great performance earlier this year at the Masters. It’s clear he’ll be desperate to secure his first major, and should he do so, the reaction will be astonishing.

Add to this, the fact that back in 2018 he finished as runner-up at the US Open, and you can see why the odds are still very favourable. He’s currently 25/1 with Ladbrokes, and 22/1 with BetVictor.