Creator Scores Shine at 2026 U.S. Open Preview in Shinnecock Hills

SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK – JUNE 18: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States plays a shot from the 18th tee during the first round of the 126th U.S. OPEN at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on June 18, 2026 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

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Play has begun at the 2026 U.S. Open, staged at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, and several content creators have already shared their opening‑round scores. The field includes a mix of seasoned professionals and golf influencers competing under challenging tournament‑level conditions.

Mac Boucher, a former Canadian Tour player, led the group with a 1‑over‑par 71. Known for his versatile shot‑making and spin control, Boucher adjusted from the media‑day tees to the longer yardages used by the main field, navigating the brisk winds that swept across Long Island. “We are out here, this is the USGA preview for the U.S. Open,” he said. “We are going to play the furthest back tees on every single hole, so you aren’t going to see tee blocks. Realistically, breaking 80 will be a feat.” He posted a first round of 71, calling it “pretty good shooting considering the conditions. The rough will be long, the fairways and greens will be firm and fast, and I think it will be a true test.”

The Bryan brothers, Wesley and George, along with Grant Horvat, also moved to the competition tees. Horvat and Wesley Bryan carded 73, while George Bryan recorded a 78 despite a hole‑in‑one—marking both the first ace for the Bryan Bros channel and the inaugural hole‑in‑one in the “Major Cut Series.” George, who has been sidelined by an aggravated oblique injury, still showed spirit throughout his round. “Well, welcome to the Major Cut,” he exclaimed after the ace. “Wait, do I own a Lexus? This is why golf is the best. I’ve had half an oblique today, I’ve been struggling, but I’m having the best time of my life, and then I make an ace.”

Micah Morris also posted a 73, while Zac Radford described his own round as “4‑over, making the cut.” He and Peter Finch both finished at 74. Finch opened strong with a 2‑under par after ten holes before Shinnecock increased its challenge, whereas Radford relied on his signature “stinger” shot to combat the wind.

Rick Shiels, Fat Perez, and Erik Anders Lang each shot 77. Shiels benefitted from a spectacular short‑game save on the second hole, holing a putt of more than 65 feet that broke roughly five feet. “When you see these guys go out and shoot 60s, it is phenomenal,” Shiels noted. “The golf course during U.S. Open week will be harder, faster, and the rough will be thicker.”

Neil Schuster, competing with “No Laying Up,” struggled to an 80. Typically a mid‑70s scorer, he cited the harsh wind and glare as major impediments: “You can’t hear anything because of the wind, and you can’t see anything because of the beachy light, so you feel like you’re in a desert or an alternate reality, all alone in the windscape.”

Bryson DeChambeau, the defending U.S. Open champion, produced the lowest creator score—an even‑par 70 featuring four birdies and four bogeys.

Timothy is a founding member of Break80 Golf and a contributing golf and sports writer for Forbes with PGA Tour and LIV Golf media credentials. Timothy can be reached at break80podcast@gmail.com for inquiries or story leads.

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