COURSE OVERVIEW

The 2026 U.S. Open returns to a classic championship setup designed to punish aggression and reward precision. Expect firm, fast fairways, thick rough that grabs long irons, and severely contoured putting surfaces that make every birdie feel earned. The USGA's signature setup philosophy is on full display here — narrow driving corridors demand accuracy off the tee, and players who can control their ball flight in both directions will separate themselves from the field. Approach play is the premium skill this week, as finding the correct section of the green is critical to avoiding three-putts on slick, undulating surfaces. Strokes Gained: Approach and Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee are the two metrics to prioritize when building your DraftKings rosters. Tournament history matters too — players who have contended at U.S. Opens before carry a clear mental edge when the course tightens and pars feel like birdies.

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TOP TARGETS THIS WEEK

Scottie Scheffler — $12,400

The world number one enters as the clear favorite and for good reason. Scheffler's elite ball-striking and unmatched tee-to-green consistency make him the safest anchor on the slate. His ability to grind through brutal conditions without making big numbers is exactly what U.S. Open golf demands. Yes, ownership will be high, but fading him entirely in cash games is a mistake. Bring him everywhere in cash and in at least one GPP lineup.

*Ownership Projection: High*

Ludvig Åberg — $10,200

The young Swede has quickly established himself as a major contender, combining elite iron play with a calm demeanor under pressure. His SG: Approach numbers rank among the best on tour, and this course profile fits his game perfectly. At this salary, he offers excellent value relative to his upside and should be a cornerstone GPP play with manageable ownership.

*Ownership Projection: Mid*

Tommy Fleetwood — $9,100

Fleetwood is one of the most underrated U.S. Open specialists in the field. He's posted multiple top-five finishes at this major and thrives when accuracy is rewarded over raw distance. His ball-striking consistency and patient approach to course management make him a strong mid-range target. Expect moderate ownership, giving him GPP appeal at a digestible price.

*Ownership Projection: Mid*

Keegan Bradley — $7,800

Bradley has quietly pieced together an impressive major resume and brings excellent course-management skills to a U.S. Open setup. His driving accuracy ranks well above tour average, which is invaluable this week. At this price point, he's a sneaky GPP dart who could differentiate your lineup if he makes the cut and contends through the weekend.

*Ownership Projection: Low*

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VALUE PLAYS

Taylor Pendrith — $7,400

Pendrith's booming driving ability plays well on long, punishing layouts. He has the distance to overpower the rough on approaches and has shown flashes of major-caliber ball-striking. At under $7,500, he's a worthwhile GPP swing.

Davis Riley — $7,100

Riley is a precision driver who rarely makes big mistakes — exactly the profile that survives U.S. Open setups. His quiet consistency has been overlooked by the public, which should keep ownership in the single digits.

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FADES

Rory McIlroy — $11,600

Rory's driver can be a liability when courses tighten. He's capable of winning any week, but his boom-or-bust tendencies make him risky at near-maximum salary.

Jon Rahm — $10,800

Rahm has struggled with consistency recently, and bloated ownership makes a disappointing finish extremely costly for your lineup.

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LINEUP CONSTRUCTION

Lock Scheffler in cash games. In GPPs, pair Åberg and Fleetwood as your mid-range foundation, then differentiate with value plays like Riley or Pendrith. Avoid stacking popular names together — roster diversity wins major GPPs.

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*Ready to dominate your Golf DFS

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