Sleepers for the 2026 U.S. Open: Who could be the next Aaron Rai?

Aaron Rai proved at the PGA Championship that an underdog golfer can come out of nowhere to win a major. If we're going to see back-to-back longshots take down the best players in the world, here are some sleepers to keep an eye on at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. 

All betting odds courtesy of DraftKings.

Harris English (+8400)

Many professional golfers loathe the U.S. Open because of the physical and mental challenges it presents, but English thrives in those environments. The veteran American plays his best golf on the most difficult setups, as evidenced by his three career U.S. Open top-10s.

English has finished T30 or better in 12 of his 14 starts this season. He also ranks sixth on the PGA Tour this season in strokes gained from putting and 19th in total driving, which is the recipe for success at Shinnecock. 

Kristoffer Reitan (+10000)

Reitan broke out with a Rai-like win at the Truist Championship in May, and he stayed hot with a T6 at the Memorial Tournament in which he ranked third in the field in strokes gained on approach. The Norwegian has been one of the best drivers of the ball on the PGA Tour this year, and he's gained strokes with his irons in five straight starts. 

If Reitan can bring his ball-striking momentum to Shinnecock, he'll have every opportunity to contend for his first major championship. 

David Puig (+13000)

Puig, an immensely talented 24-year-old who plays in the LIV Golf League, is a star in the making. The Spaniard ranks second on LIV this season in driving distance, fifth in total birdies and 10th in greens-in-regulation percentage. He also finished T18 at the PGA Championship and ranked sixth in the field in strokes gained from putting.

Puig has the all-around game to make some noise at Shinnecock. This could be the week he officially announces himself to the golf world. 

Jackson Koivun (+15000)