As the field for the 126th U.S. Open Championship nears completion, the United States Golf Association has confirmed two additional full exemptions along with five alternates, bringing the championship roster to its full 156-player field ahead of the June 18-21 event at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.
The final exemptions went to J.T. Poston and Bud Cauley, both of whom secured their places through the Official World Golf Ranking after dramatic performances in recent PGA Tour events.
Poston Secures Open Spot After Memorial Victory
Poston’s path to Shinnecock Hills came through a surge in the world rankings following his victory at The Memorial Tournament. The win pushed the Hickory, North Carolina native up 56 spots to No. 38 in the world. The timing of the victory added another layer to the story. Weather delays forced Poston to complete a demanding 33 holes on Sunday, June 7, while facing the possibility of playing 36 more holes in U.S. Open Final Qualifying the next day. Instead of heading to Golf’s Longest Day, the victory secured his exemption and eliminated the need for qualifying.
The 33-year-old will now make his seventh U.S. Open appearance. He has advanced through the cut three times, with his best result coming at Pinehurst No. 2 in 2024, where he finished tied for 32nd.
Cauley Turns Near Miss Into Career Breakthrough
Cauley’s journey was equally noteworthy. The Palm Beach Gardens, Florida resident earned his exemption after capturing the RBC Canadian Open, the first PGA Tour victory of his career. The win lifted him 28 places in the world rankings to No. 40 and secured a place in the national championship field.
For Cauley, the exemption came after a near miss during final qualifying. He had previously fallen short in a four-player playoff that determined the second alternate position at the Lakes Golf & Country Club qualifier in Ohio. Just days later, a PGA Tour breakthrough changed everything.
The 36-year-old will compete in his fourth U.S. Open. His lone made cut came in 2011 at Congressional Country Club shortly after he completed his junior season at the University of Alabama and turned professional.
Final Field Set for Historic Shinnecock Return
With seven spots initially reserved for players who could earn exemptions before the field was finalized, the USGA filled the remaining openings by adding five alternates from final qualifying: Hennie Du Plessis, Spencer Tibbits, Bryan Lee, Jack Schoenberger, and Harry Higgs.
Additional field updates included Preston Stout earning an exemption by winning the NCAA Division I Championship on June 1. Chandler Phillips also entered the championship after replacing Marco Penge, who withdrew on June 9. Phillips earned his place as the first alternate from the Dallas final qualifier and will make his U.S. Open debut.
This year’s championship returns to one of golf’s most historic venues. Shinnecock Hills has previously hosted the U.S. Open in 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, and 2018, producing champions James Foulis, Raymond Floyd, Corey Pavin, Retief Goosen, and Brooks Koepka.
As one of the USGA’s five founding member clubs, Shinnecock Hills holds a unique distinction as the only course to host the championship in three different centuries. The 2026 edition will add another chapter to that history as a full field of 156 players prepares to compete for one of golf’s most coveted titles.
