GOLF DFS U.S. OPEN 2026: BEST DRAFTKINGS PICKS AND LINEUP STRATEGY FOR SATURDAY

COURSE OVERVIEW

The 2026 U.S. Open is being contested at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, one of the most demanding and historically unforgiving venues in all of major championship golf. Oakmont's famously fast and undulating greens — rated among the hardest in the world — punish anything short of precise ball-striking and elite putting touch. The thick, penal rough demands accuracy off the tee, as errant drives effectively remove birdie opportunities and turn routine pars into scrambling bogeys. The course stretches past 7,200 yards with narrow fairways, deep Church Pew bunkers, and multi-tiered greens that demand exceptional approach play and strong Strokes Gained: Approach numbers. Players who thrive here historically possess elite ball control, patience, and the ability to grind through adversity without ballooning scores. Driving accuracy and Strokes Gained: Putting on Poa annua surfaces are the two most predictive metrics heading into Saturday's third round.

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TOP TARGETS THIS WEEK

Scottie Scheffler — $12,400

The world number one is the safest anchor in the field heading into Saturday. Scheffler's ball-striking precision and elite iron game are perfectly suited for Oakmont's demanding approach corridors. He ranks inside the top five in Strokes Gained: Approach over his last 24 rounds and has a demonstrated history of rising up leaderboards in major championships. Ownership Projection: High (35–45%)

Collin Morikawa — $10,800

Morikawa is quietly one of the best fits in the entire field for Oakmont. His accuracy-first approach off the tee minimizes rough contact, and his iron play is historically elite in U.S. Open setups. He hasn't won a major recently, but his underlying metrics scream undervaluation at this salary. Ownership Projection: Mid (18–25%)

Shane Lowry — $9,200

Lowry's grinding, patient style of play was built for U.S. Open golf. He excels at manufacturing pars and limiting damage — exactly what Oakmont demands. His salary is sneaky low given his performance in major championships, making him a strong mid-tier option this Saturday. Ownership Projection: Low (10–15%)

Ludvig Åberg — $10,100

The young Swede has looked poised all week. Åberg's combination of elite ball-striking and calm demeanor under pressure makes him an ideal target entering the weekend. He generates elite Strokes Gained: Tee-to-Green numbers and his upside at this salary tier is undeniable heading into a moving day round. Ownership Projection: Mid (20–28%)

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VALUE PLAYS

Brendan Steele — $7,400

Steele has quietly been one of the more accurate ball-strikers on tour over the past several months and Oakmont rewards exactly that skill set. His salary is soft enough to provide significant roster flexibility while offering real upside if his flat stick cooperates on Saturday.

Justin Suh — $7,100

A former collegiate standout who thrives on demanding, precision-based courses, Suh gives DFS rosters a true salary-saving option without completely sacrificing upside. His course management instincts are underrated, and low ownership makes him a legitimate tournament differentiator.

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FADES

Rory McIlroy — $11,900

Despite being one of the most chalked names in Saturday slates, McIlroy's historically painful relationship with closing out U.S. Opens at premium venues makes him a risky tournament roster option. His ownership will be enormous, crushing leverage.

Jon Rahm — $11,200

Rahm carries enormous public ownership at majors regardless of form. His recent ball-striking inconsistency and projected high ownership create a dangerous combination for GPP tournament lineups this week.

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LINEUP CONSTRUCTION

Saturday moving-day slates reward aggression. Build around Scheffler as your anchor, but differentiate with low-owned mid-tier plays like Lowry and Åberg. Stacking value through Suh