Most U.S. Open winners have been European, and Rory McIlroy does not think that is a coincidence. He believes European players do well in this major for a reason.

McIlroy, the 2011 U.S. Open champion, was asked about the pattern of European success at this major. Speaking at the press conference on Tuesday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club before the 2026 U.S. Open, he elaborated on his reasoning.

"Obviously, the European golfers, the majority of our golf is in the United States, three of the four major championships are here," he said, " I think just over time we've got a lot more comfortable with the style of golf that you need to play and the setups around here." 

From the tournament's inception, European players have dominated the U.S. Open. Englishman Horace Rawlins won the first tournament in 1895, and players from England and Scotland won most of the titles that followed.

Englishman Tony Jacklin became the last European to win the U.S. Open back in 1970 before a European win drought. Graeme McDowell ended a 40-year wait for a European champion in 2010.

For the first 16 years, the U.S. Open belonged to Europeans—until 1911. John J. McDermott became the first American to win the U.S. Open.

His win was followed by more U.S. Open titles from European players, including Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, and Martin Kaymer.

"So it certainly wouldn't surprise me to see a few players from Europe and the UK in contention on Sunday," McIlroy said.

As the 2026 edition kicks off, McIlroy thinks the elements could be the biggest challenge for players this week.

Rory McIlroy on Shinnecock Hills About Course Setup

McIlroy was open about his admiration for Shinnecock Hills.

"I think if everything is going the way everyone wants it in terms of weather, setup, I think it's the best championship test in the country," he said.

But he was also wary of the conditions that could affect play. He spoke about strong winds that could hit the course on Thursday and Friday, with gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph.

McIlroy said that during Tuesday's practice round, golf balls would not stay on the 11th green, even with winds of only 25 to 30 mph.

McIlroy said the fairways are wider than they were in 2018 and are about 45 yards wide on average. However, strong side winds will make them feel much narrower.

The 2026 Masters champion pointed to the danger of being tempted into unnecessary risks.

"This course, it demands so much patience, and it can really lure you into taking on things that you probably shouldn't," he said.

Holes like the first and 13th, he noted, tempt players when the wind is right, but the downside of getting it wrong is severe.

The Northern Irish golfer will begin his first round on Thursday at 7:52 a.m. ET alongside Ludvig Åberg and Tommy Fleetwood at Shinnecock Hills as he looks to win his seventh major title.

Do you think Rory McIlroy and European golfers will dominate the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Surjo Ray