5 Notable Names Missing From the 2026 U.S. Open Field at Shinnecock Hills
The 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills is set to deliver another dramatic chapter in major championship history. From June 18–21, the iconic Long Island venue will host the world’s best players as they battle one of golf’s most demanding layouts.
With a 156-player field confirmed, attention is naturally focused on the stars who will be teeing it up—Scottie Scheffler chasing history, Rory McIlroy looking to finally add another U.S. Open title to his résumé, and a deep field of rising contenders ready to challenge the established order.
But just as interesting as who is playing… is who is not.
Several high-profile names are notably absent from this year’s championship, either due to qualification results, schedule choices, or personal circumstances. Their absence reshapes the storyline heading into one of golf’s biggest weeks.
Here are five of the most surprising names missing from the 2026 U.S. Open field.
Phil Mickelson’s absence is one of the most recognizable omissions in the field.
A six-time major champion, Mickelson has been a constant presence in U.S. Open history for decades, with more than 30 appearances in the championship. However, he will not be competing at Shinnecock Hills in 2026.
This marks one of his rare absences from the event in recent years, as he has not been part of competitive PGA Tour golf throughout much of the season. Mickelson’s participation in majors has become increasingly selective in recent years, and his absence from the U.S. Open field continues a trend of reduced appearances on golf’s biggest stages.
While he remains one of the most iconic figures in the sport, fans will have to wait at least another year to see whether he adds to his storied U.S. Open legacy.
Tiger Woods – Still Missing From Major Championship Action
Tiger Woods’ name remains one of the most talked-about absences in any major championship field.
The 15-time major winner and three-time U.S. Open champion has not competed in several recent majors, and he will once again be absent when the tournament begins at Shinnecock Hills.
Woods has played the U.S. Open more than 20 times in his career, with his last victory coming in 2008 at Torrey Pines—one of the most dominant performances in major championship history.
Although fans continue to hope for another competitive appearance, Woods is not part of the 2026 field, and attention now shifts to whether he will return to major championship golf in future seasons.
Max Homa – Close, But Not Quite Enough in Qualifying
Max Homa’s absence will be particularly frustrating for fans who followed his dramatic attempts to qualify.
In recent seasons, Homa has made multiple strong runs through U.S. Open qualifying events but has narrowly missed out on securing a place in the final field. His efforts have included playoff situations and tightly contested final rounds where just a single stroke made the difference.
Despite showing strong form in qualifying stages, Homa ultimately fell short again in his bid to return to the championship in 2026.
The American has been a consistent presence in the U.S. Open in recent years, but this edition will mark a break in that run as he looks to regroup and aim for qualification in future seasons.
Eugenio Chacarra – A Rising Talent Who Missed Out on Qualification
Eugenio Chacarra continues to be one of the most intriguing young names in professional golf, but he will not be part of the 2026 U.S. Open field.
The talented Spaniard, who has competed across multiple international tours, attempted to secure a place through qualifying routes but ultimately did not progress into the final tournament lineup.
Chacarra’s decision-making during the qualifying season, including scheduling choices across different events in Europe, played a role in limiting his opportunities to secure a U.S. Open spot.
Despite the setback, he remains one of the emerging players to watch in the coming years as he continues building experience at the highest level.
Marco Penge – A Forced Withdrawal Ahead of Shinnecock
Marco Penge’s absence comes under different circumstances, as the English golfer was unable to make it to the starting line at Shinnecock Hills.
Penge had been in strong form earlier in the season and was positioned as one of the higher-ranked players outside the automatic qualification spots. However, ongoing health issues led him to withdraw from consideration before the championship.
In a public statement shared on social media, Penge explained that his decision was based on medical advice and a need to prioritize recovery.
He emphasized that his focus remains on returning to full fitness, with hopes of resuming competition once he is healthy enough to do so.
A Field Defined as Much by Absences as by Stars
While the 2026 U.S. Open field remains packed with elite talent, the absence of several well-known names adds another layer to the story at Shinnecock Hills.
Some are missing due to qualification challenges. Others are stepping away from competition or focusing on recovery and long-term health.
But their absence opens the door for new narratives to emerge—rising stars looking to seize the moment, established champions aiming to strengthen their legacies, and unpredictable conditions at one of golf’s most unforgiving venues.
As the championship approaches, one question remains:
Who will step forward in the absence of these familiar names and define the 2026 U.S. Open?
