U.S. Open Dominance: Golf's Biggest Stars Vie for Championship Glory

The prestigious U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in the Hamptons has drawn the world’s best golfers, with many describing the historic layout as their "favorite" course. Six-time major championship winner Rory McIlroy lauded it as "the best championship test in the country." Beyond the professionals, the tournament has captured widespread attention, even among Major League Baseball players, many of whom harbor a deep passion for golf, viewing a chance to play Shinnecock as a "dream."

The Yankees' clubhouse, like many in MLB, is home to serious golfers who maintain a year-round passion for the sport, closely following weekly PGA Tour events and majors on clubhouse TVs. Third baseman Ryan McMahon articulates this devotion, comparing golf to baseball as one of the hardest sports, stating, "We’re sickos that love playing one of the hardest sports out there, and I think that’s No. 1 or No. 2. I think baseball/golf are 1 and 2." This dedication manifests during the offseason and on rare off-days during spring training.

Among the current Yankees, Ryan McMahon is considered the best golfer, playing to a 2-handicap and consistently shooting between "1 to 6 over," though he humbly notes he’s "not as good as" former Yankee Aaron Hicks, a scratch golfer. Other regular players include Cody Bellinger (15-handicap), Anthony Volpe, Paul Goldschmidt (13-handicap), Trent Grisham (a "dangerous 5-handicapper" capable of shooting in the 60s), Will Warren (8-handicap), Clarke Schmidt, Max Schuemann, Gerrit Cole, and Austin Wells. When watching professionals, these players are particularly struck by the pros’ incredible recovery shots, consistency, meticulous routines, and strategic game planning, especially their putting skills.

While Shinnecock Hills tops many of their wish lists, these Yankees golfers have played numerous other elite courses. Paul Goldschmidt has played Augusta National multiple times, McMahon has teed off at Congressional, and Volpe and Grisham have experienced Baltusrol. Will Warren played Cherry Hills, humorously recounting shooting 115 due to challenging rough. Access to such courses is a privilege, with Volpe musing that winning the World Series might even help "pull some strings" to play Shinnecock.

Amidst the star-studded field, Sam Stevens, a 29-year-old third-generation golf "also-ran," emerged as an unlikely challenger for the U.S. Open Championship. Despite his unassuming stature and lack of a PGA Tour victory – his only professional win was in 2021 on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica – Stevens found himself tied for second place heading into the final round. His journey is a testament to perseverance, as he was previously overshadowed even on his NCAA title-winning team and faced self-doubt about his "second-tier status."

Stevens’ third-round 72, which included an opening birdie that briefly put him within two strokes of leader Wyndham Clark, demonstrated his potential. Though he faded slightly with bogeys on 10, 11, and 12, he rallied with a crucial par save on 14 and had birdie putts on the last three holes, narrowly missing them. His candid acknowledgment of the difficulty of catching Clark, stating, "I could play a great round [Sunday], shoot 3 or 4 under and still lose by seven," highlights the challenge of the Shinnecock course and the leader’s strong position.

Stevens has consistently performed well enough to make cuts at majors, including his previous three U.S. Open starts, but his best finish was a tie for 23rd. He also has a history of runner-up finishes on the Tour and Korn Ferry Tour. Recently, he sought advice from his caddie, wife, and father to overcome a growing "curmudgeon" attitude about his career status. Their simple counsel to "chill out! It’s just golf!" helped him regain perspective. A potential upset victory for Stevens would not only be his first PGA Tour win in a major since Keegan Bradley in 2011 but also a significant triumph for an "Everyman" in the glamorous Hamptons setting.

Meanwhile, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler found himself six shots behind leader Wyndham Clark, also tied for second, as he pursued the rare career Grand Slam. Despite his publicly stoic approach, the significance of the moment—his 30th birthday, first Father’s Day since his son Remy’s birth, and first attempt at completing the Grand Slam—was palpable. Scheffler has already amassed an impressive career, including four major championship victories (two Masters, a PGA Championship, and a British Open), 20 PGA Tour wins, and an Olympic gold medal.

Achieving the Grand Slam is a monumental feat, accomplished by only six previous golfers. Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, and Tiger Woods completed it on their first attempt after winning their third major. Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus took three attempts. Rory McIlroy, currently world No. 2, offers a relatable perspective on the immense pressure, having faced over a decade of questions after securing his third major in 2014 before finally winning the Masters in 2025 and again this year.

Scheffler, however, offers a unique and refreshing take on the Grand Slam, viewing it as an ever-moving "goalpost" rather than an ultimate destination. He believes that professional athletes can never fully satisfy external expectations. His recent performance at the U.S. Open, including a 2-under 68 on Friday and a strong back-nine 32 on Saturday (featuring three consecutive birdies for the first time in a U.S. Open), demonstrated his ability to stay in contention. Despite a bogey on 17 and a par on 18, he acknowledged the need for a "really nice round" to catch Clark, embracing the opportunity to win a major championship.

The U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, therefore, presents a multifaceted narrative: the enduring passion for golf among athletes from other sports, the inspiring pursuit of an underdog like Sam Stevens to make his mark, and the world’s top golfer, Scottie Scheffler, striving for a place in golf immortality while maintaining a grounded perspective on achievement.