Tommy Fleetwood is set to return to Shinnecock Hills for the 2026 US Open, a venue that holds significant memories for the golfer. Fleetwood, who recently celebrated his first victory on the PGA Tour at the 2025 Tour Championship, is eager to revisit a tournament where he showcased exceptional talent. His journey at Shinnecock Hills in 2018 remains one of the highlights of his career, where he finished as a runner-up to Brooks Koepka.
In 2018, Fleetwood produced one of the finest rounds in U.S. Open history. He started strong with a birdie and continued to impress with a series of remarkable shots, ultimately finishing the round with a score of 63. At that time, he was only one shot off the lead, demonstrating a level of play that captivated fans and competitors alike. Reflecting on that day, Fleetwood noted, “Obviously, that’s the putt that will play on in your mind because that was the last shot you’ll hit. That was your chance.”
Despite his near miss for victory, Fleetwood’s performance was historic. He was only the second player to shoot a 63 in U.S. Open history, a feat he achieved while aiming for a record-breaking score of 62. In a conversation with reporters following the round, Fleetwood expressed his desire for that record but ultimately found solace in his exceptional play: “Yeah, but I wanted 62.”
Looking ahead, Fleetwood is eager to return to the iconic course. He aims to replicate the success of players like Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele, both of whom shot 62 during the first round of the 2023 U.S. Open at the Los Angeles Country Club. Fleetwood’s performances at the national championship have been impressive; he recorded two rounds of 63 in both 2018 and 2023, making him the first player in U.S. Open history to achieve two rounds of 63 or better.
After his record-breaking round at LACC, Fleetwood reflected on his performance, stating, “I got off to a nice start, and I think — I holed like a 15-footer for par on 5 and then eagled the 6th.” He highlighted the importance of those moments, which helped him build momentum throughout the round. Fleetwood also recalled specific shots that stood out to him, including a critical tee shot on the sixth hole and a challenging five-wood into the eleventh.
As Fleetwood prepares for the 2026 tournament, he acknowledges the emotional significance of the occasion. “It’s my first ever Father’s Day as a father, so I’ll try to spend some time with Frankie and Clare and just wait and see,” he mentioned, emphasizing the balance between personal life and professional aspirations.
Fleetwood’s journey in golf continues to evolve, and his return to Shinnecock Hills in 2026 is filled with potential for new memories. With a solid track record and a renewed sense of purpose, he looks forward to making a significant impact once again at one of golf’s most storied venues.
