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US Open 2026 Final Round: Shinnecock's Sunday Setup and Tee Time Analysis

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Golf Colors
·3 min read
US Open 2026 Final Round: Shinnecock's Sunday Setup and Tee Time Analysis

Championship Sunday at Shinnecock Hills

The 126th US Open has delivered exactly what we expect from Shinnecock Hills — a brutal, honest examination of every aspect of the game. As Sunday's final round tee times drop, the leaderboard is stacked with names that have been grinding all week across one of America's most demanding championship venues.

With a $22.5 million purse on the line, the afternoon wave features some fascinating equipment stories and player matchups that deserve a closer look.

The Final Groups: Analyzing the Contenders

The anchor pairing sends Scottie Scheffler out with Wyndham Clark at 7:30 PM local time — a tee time that will test both players' ability to manage the fading Long Island light and the firm afternoon conditions Shinnecock is known for delivering.

Just ahead of them, Tom Kim and Sahith Theegala tee off at 7:19 PM, followed by the 7:08 PM pairing of Emiliano Grillo and Sam Stevens. These late times mean players will be navigating some of Shinnecock's most treacherous green complexes as shadows lengthen — equipment choices around the greens become absolutely critical in these conditions.

Mid-Afternoon Marquee Matchups

The 6:46 PM group puts Tommy Fleetwood alongside Xander Schauffele, while Matt Fitzpatrick and Collin Morikawa go out at 6:35 PM. Both pairings feature players known for precision iron play — exactly the skill set Shinnecock rewards.

Keegan Bradley and Corey Conners at 6:35 PM represent an interesting contrast in approaches, while the 5:24 PM pairing of Akshay Bhatia and Rory McIlroy should generate significant gallery attention.

Equipment Considerations for Shinnecock's Conditions

What strikes me about this final round setup is how the course will demand versatility from everyone's bag. Shinnecock's firm, windswept layout typically sees players favoring lower-spinning equipment configurations — something we've been tracking across the major championship circuit.

The earlier groups, starting with Dylan Wu and James Nicholas at 12:45 PM, will face different wind conditions than the leaders. Hideki Matsuyama, paired with Neal Shipley at 1:18 PM, has historically excelled in these precision-demanding setups.

Ludvig Åberg, going out at 2:29 PM alongside John Keefer, represents the next generation of ball-striking talent that Shinnecock tends to reward. His iron play has been a technical marvel to watch this season.

Notable Names Through the Field

Justin Thomas and Laurie Canter at 4:02 PM, Jordan Spieth with Michael Brennan at 3:24 PM, and Dustin Johnson paired with Pierceson Coody at 4:46 PM — all represent different eras of major championship golf converging on one of America's finest tests.

The international presence remains strong with players from the DP World Tour scattered throughout the draw, including Robert MacIntyre at 3:02 PM and Tyrrell Hatton at 4:35 PM.

What the Tee Sheet Tells Us

Championship Sundays at Shinnecock Hills have historically produced dramatic finishes. The course's natural amphitheaters around the closing holes create perfect viewing conditions, while the strategic demands never let up.

Players teeing off in the mid-afternoon will face peak firm conditions, while the final groups benefit from slightly cooler temperatures but must contend with lengthening shadows on approach shots — a genuine equipment and skill challenge.

Key Takeaways

  • Final pairing: Scheffler and Clark at 7:30 PM anchoring the field
  • Course demands: Precision iron play and scrambling ability will separate contenders
  • Purse: $22.5 million at stake for the 126th US Open
  • Venue: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club continues its tradition as one of America's premier championship tests
  • Watch for: How equipment setups handle the firm afternoon conditions and fading light