GOLF DFS: 2026 U.S. OPEN PICKS, STRATEGY & DRAFTKINGS LINEUP ADVICE

COURSE OVERVIEW

The 2026 U.S. Open returns to Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, one of the most demanding and historically punishing venues in all of major championship golf. Oakmont is defined by its lightning-fast, heavily contoured putting surfaces — widely considered the most difficult greens in the world — along with its notorious Church Pew bunkers, thick rough that swallows wayward irons, and a layout that demands elite ball-striking precision from tee to green. The USGA has tightened the setup further this week, with fairway widths pinched to near-unreachable margins and pin placements tucked behind false fronts and ridge lines. This course rewards players who lead the field in Strokes Gained: Approach and Strokes Gained: Putting. Bombers without accuracy will bleed strokes here, while grinders who keep the ball in play and manage their emotions stand to separate from the field in dramatic fashion.

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TOP TARGETS THIS WEEK

Scottie Scheffler — $12,400

The world number one remains the safest anchor in any Oakmont lineup. Scheffler's elite ball-striking, elite approach play, and steadiness under major pressure make him the chalk worth paying up for. His SG: Approach numbers have been the best on tour for two consecutive seasons, and Oakmont's unforgiving rough punishes anyone who strays. Ownership projection: High (45–55%)

Xander Schauffele — $11,200

Schauffele thrives on demanding, precision-based setups and has elevated his major championship performance significantly over the past two years. His iron play ranks among the tour's elite, and his ability to manage a difficult course emotionally is underrated. Strong course history at USGA events makes him a core piece. Ownership projection: Mid (25–35%)

Tommy Fleetwood — $9,800

Fleetwood has long been one of the best players in the world without a major, and U.S. Open-style setups are arguably where he performs best. His precise iron play and ability to manufacture pars when the wheels threaten to come off make him a tremendous Oakmont fit at a salary that allows roster flexibility. Ownership projection: Mid (20–28%)

Ludvig Åberg — $9,100

The young Swede continues to establish himself as a legitimate major contender. His calm demeanor, exceptional ball-striking, and length off the tee with above-average accuracy give him a compelling Oakmont profile at a salary still under $10K. A differentiated option with upside. Ownership projection: Low-Mid (12–18%)

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VALUE PLAYS

Thriston Lawrence — $7,600

Lawrence's tee-to-green metrics have quietly been excellent in 2026, and he's proven he can compete against elite fields. At this salary, he offers significant leverage against the field in GPP formats.

Davis Thompson — $7,200

A ball-striker-first profile that fits Oakmont's demands, Thompson has shown flashes of elite iron play this season. His ownership should remain low enough to create meaningful roster differentiation in large tournaments.

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FADES

Rory McIlroy — $11,600

Despite being one of the most rostered players this week, McIlroy's Oakmont history is mixed and his putter has been inconsistent in 2026. At this salary, the risk-to-reward ratio doesn't justify the chalk exposure.

Jon Rahm — $10,400

Rahm brings name value and major pedigree, but his iron play metrics have been trending in the wrong direction this season, and Oakmont will expose any weakness in approach play mercilessly.

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LINEUP CONSTRUCTION

At Oakmont, the lineup construction philosophy is simple: prioritize ball-strikers above everything else. Lock Scheffler into your cash game lineups and build around him with mid-tier precision players like Fleetwood and Åberg. In GPPs, target one or two low-owned value plays like Lawrence or Thompson to separate your lineup from the field. Avoid stacking popular names without strong Oakmont-specific fit reasoning —