Patrick Reed is one of the biggest sleeper picks at the 2026 US Open.
Sleeper Picks to Watch at the US Open 2026 Featuring Patrick Reed
The 2026 US Open will kick off this week at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. The tournament will feature 156 golfers competing for the largest prize pool of all four majors, $21.5 million. The event field is stacked with some of the world's best names, but there are still some players who can swoop the trophy.
Here is a look at some of these sleeper picks from the tournament:
#5 Shane Lowry
Shane Lowry can be a big threat to the whole US Open field.
Shane Lowry has proved himself in front of the world on several occasions. The golfer has had some impressive finishes, including a runner-up at the 2016 US Open. The scoring conditions at Shinnecock Hills are quite favorable, and Lowry may be a player who can take advantage of them.
Lowry has only two top-10 finishes this season, and while he has not been steady, he can still turn the tables.
#4 Russell Henley
Russell Henley has been in great form during recent tournaments.
Russell Henley is coming into the 2026 US Open with excellent form and momentum. A few weeks back, the golfer dominated and won the 2026 Charles Schwab Challenge, finishing with a total score of 12 under par. Henley is currently ranked fifth in the world, and he could be a big sleeper at Shinnecock Hills.
#3 Sam Burns
Sam Burns can potentially end his winless drought of three years.
Sam Burns has been one of the most consistent golfers on the PGA Tour this season. While Burns has not won this year, he has three top-ten finishes till now this season. The golfer recently finished T4 at the 2026 Memorial Tournament, which indicated that he is entering the US Open with strong momentum.
Burns has not won a PGA Tour event in three years, and winning a golf major could be the perfect catalyst for his comeback.
#2 Tyrrell Hatton
Tyrrell Hatton has been on fire on the LIV Golf circuit.
Tyrrell Hatton recently won his first tournament of the season at the LIV Golf Andalucia. Hatton has a lot of momentum after this win, and his current form might make him one of the best sleeper options at this tournament. The golfer has also had a solid finish at Shinnecock Hills, which also hosted the US Open in 2018.
#1 Patrick Reed
Patrick Reed is a one-time golf major winner.
Patrick Reed made the major decision to leave LIV Golf earlier this year, and while he is now suspended from the PGA Tour, he will compete at the 2026 US Open. Reed has two wins on the DP World Tour this season, as well as a tremendous second-place result, showing that he is in great form.
This form of Reed clearly suggests he could be one of the biggest sleeper picks for the 2026 US Open.