GOLF DFS U.S. OPEN 2026: TOP PICKS, VALUES, AND FADES FOR DRAFTKINGS

COURSE OVERVIEW

The 2026 U.S. Open returns to a classic major venue demanding precision over power, patience over aggression, and a ball-striker's mentality from the first tee to the final putt. Expect thick U.S. Open rough that punishes even slight misses off the tee, firm and fast greens that require precise approach play, and a premium on strokes gained: approach and strokes gained: off-the-tee. Players who can hit fairways at a high clip while also attacking pins from the correct angles will have a significant advantage. Scoring will be difficult, and par will feel like birdie on many holes. The cream rises to the top at U.S. Opens, and this week is no exception — target elite ball-strikers who thrive when the conditions are at their most unforgiving.

---

TOP TARGETS THIS WEEK

Scottie Scheffler — $12,400

Scheffler is simply the best player in the world, and U.S. Open setups are where his all-around game shines brightest. His strokes gained: approach numbers are elite, and he rarely makes costly errors. Expect high chalk, but he's worth paying up for in cash games.

*Ownership projection: High*

Xander Schauffele — $11,200

Schauffele has quietly become one of the most reliable major performers on tour. He's gained strokes on approach at this type of demanding layout consistently over the past three seasons. At a slight discount to Scheffler, he offers excellent value in GPPs as well.

*Ownership projection: Mid*

Collin Morikawa — $10,100

Morikawa's iron game is arguably the best in professional golf, and U.S. Opens reward iron play more than any other major. He's historically gained strokes on approach and around the greens in USGA-style setups, making him a strong mid-range target.

*Ownership projection: Mid*

Tommy Fleetwood — $8,800

Fleetwood has an outstanding U.S. Open track record, including a final round 63 at Shinnecock. He grinds well under difficult conditions and brings excellent differentiation at a manageable salary. A strong GPP play with upside.

*Ownership projection: Low-Mid*

---

VALUE PLAYS

Thriston Lawrence — $7,400

Lawrence has been quietly gaining momentum on the European Tour and has shown the type of controlled ball-striking that translates to major venues. At this salary, he could provide massive value if he finds his rhythm early.

Mackenzie Hughes — $7,100

Hughes is a steady, accurate driver who avoids big mistakes — exactly the profile you want at a U.S. Open. His low floor and ceiling make him a cash game hedge rather than a GPP home run, but he's worth considering in both formats.

---

FADES

Rory McIlroy — $11,600

McIlroy will be heavily owned given his name recognition and recent form. However, his driver can become uncontrollable under pressure, and U.S. Open rough is unforgiving. The ownership won't be worth the variance in GPPs.

Jon Rahm — $10,500

Despite his 2023 U.S. Open pedigree, Rahm has shown inconsistency of late. He'll draw chalk based on reputation alone, making him an easy fade to gain leverage in tournaments.

---

LINEUP CONSTRUCTION

This week, anchor your lineups with one elite ball-striker in the $10,000+ range — Scheffler or Schauffele — and build around mid-tier precision players. Avoid stacking on power metrics alone. Save salary by using one value play under $7,500 and use that budget on a proven mid-range option like Morikawa. In GPPs, fade the heavy chalk and look for low-owned players with strong approach metrics.

---

Ready to dominate your Golf DFS lineups this week? Head to Scout Intel for daily projections, ownership tools, and expert analysis to give you the edge on DraftKings.

---