GOLF DFS US OPEN 2026: TOP PICKS, VALUES & FADES FOR DRAFTKINGS

COURSE OVERVIEW

The 2026 U.S. Open returns to a classic major venue known for its narrow, tree-lined fairways, thick USGA rough, and firm, fast bentgrass greens that punish even the slightest misses. This course demands elite ball-striking above all else — specifically, Strokes Gained: Approach and Driving Accuracy are the two most predictive metrics for success here. Players who can keep the ball in the short grass off the tee and attack precise yardages into small, well-protected greens will have a significant advantage over bombers who rely on length alone. Scrambling ability matters as well, since even the best ball-strikers will miss greens, and getting up and down from the rough around these putting surfaces is no easy task. Expect scoring to be tough, par to be celebrated, and the cream to rise to the top by Sunday.

---

TOP TARGETS THIS WEEK

Scottie Scheffler — $12,400

Scheffler is the chalk, and rightfully so. His Strokes Gained: Total over the past 24 rounds is unmatched on tour, and his approach play is perfectly calibrated for U.S. Open conditions. He's made the cut in every major he has entered over the past three years and finished T4 or better in his last two U.S. Open appearances. At the top salary, he's expensive, but his floor is elite and his ceiling is a tournament win. Ownership projection: HIGH (35–45%)

Xander Schauffele — $11,200

Schauffele's major pedigree continues to grow, and his iron play is among the best in the field. He ranks inside the top five in SG: Approach over the past season and has a proven track record of thriving under USGA setups. Expect high-leverage exposure in tournament lineups. Ownership projection: MID (20–28%)

Collin Morikawa — $10,500

Morikawa is the ultimate ball-striker in a tournament that rewards exactly that. His iron game is historically elite, and U.S. Open conditions — demanding precision over power — set up perfectly for his methodical, fairway-first approach. He's slightly under-owned relative to his upside. Ownership projection: MID (15–22%)

Tom Kim — $8,800

Kim is a sneaky target at a mid-tier price. He's been playing some of the best golf of his career lately and his compact, controlled swing handles tight fairways exceptionally well. At a salary that won't handcuff your lineup, he gives you real upside with manageable exposure. Ownership projection: LOW (8–12%)

---

VALUE PLAYS

Denny McCarthy — $7,400

McCarthy's putting is elite on bentgrass, and if he can keep it in play off the tee — which he often does — he's a real DFS asset. His course-style fit is strong and the price leaves plenty of salary to spend up elsewhere.

Austin Eckroat — $7,100

A quiet ball-striker who keeps the ball in front of him and doesn't make many mental errors. Eckroat has been trending in the right direction statistically and represents exceptional value near the minimum floor.

---

FADES

Rory McIlroy — $11,800

Rory is beloved by the public, and his ownership will be massive regardless of form. His driver can get away from him on tight tracks, which is a real liability here. Fade him in GPPs.

Brooks Koepka — $10,200

Koepka's major history commands chalk ownership, but his ball-striking metrics this season have slipped considerably. Pay for his reputation at your own risk.

---

LINEUP CONSTRUCTION

In a U.S. Open field on a demanding course, prioritize SG: Approach over everything. Anchor your lineup with one or two elite ball-strikers, add a mid-range value with course-style fit, and use the remaining salary on a low-owned punt with upside. Avoid stacking similar archetypes — balance your exposure between bombers and precision players. In GPPs, fading the biggest chalk like McIl