US Open 2026: Pundit predictions, ones to watch, form guide and pick who will win major at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

European golfers have made a historic start to the major season, but will their winning streak continue when tackling a challenging Shinnecock Hills at the US Open?

Rory McIlroy successfully defended his title at The Masters before Aaron Rai claimed a shock victory at the PGA Championship, marking the first time in the modern era that Europeans have won the first two majors of the calendar year.

"I think over time we [Europeans] have got a lot more comfortable with the style of golf that you need to play and the set-ups around here," McIlroy said in his pre-tournament press conference. "A historic start to the major season for golfers from that part of the world.

"I would say this is more a UK or European style of test than certainly the first two majors at Augusta and Aronimink, so it certainly wouldn't surprise me to see a few players from Europe and the UK in contention."

Koepka became a back-to-back champion after successfully defending his title here in 2018, a year on from his breakthrough major title at Erin Hills, with multiple Europeans now having the chance to join the American as a two-time US Open winner.

Rahm has already won twice on LIV Golf this season and finished runner-up to Tyrrell Hatton at Valderrama earlier this month, having ended tied-second behind Rai at the PGA Championship.