The 2026 U.S. Open championship began with its first round at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, experiencing a delay due to fog. This year's event has drawn a more subdued attendance compared to prior tournaments. Organizers had made approximately 21,000 tickets available daily, with the potential for weekend capacity, including staff and volunteers, to reach just under 30,000. This contrasts sharply with the over 200,000 spectators at the 2024 and 2025 Opens, which saw peak daily crowds of around 40,000. Even the 2023 event at Los Angeles Country Club, with its limited capacity, hosted around 23,000 daily fans.
Despite the overall decrease in attendance, prominent golfers like Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau still attracted considerable followings. However, many seating areas remained sparsely populated throughout the initial day of play. Local attendees on Long Island have maintained a respectful demeanor, with no reports of disruptive behavior, a notable change from past events. Golfers like Keegan Bradley and Sam Burns expressed positive sentiments regarding the crowd's conduct, focusing on the challenging aspects of the game itself rather than external distractions.
The diminished crowds at the U.S. Open have not alleviated the significant traffic congestion common in the Hamptons. To circumvent this, some attendees opted for premium travel services. Blade, the official helicopter service provider, offered flights from New York City to Shinnecock for $1,480 per person, covering the 80-mile distance in about 40 minutes. A shorter 10-minute helicopter journey from East Hampton Airport was also available for $645, catering to those looking to avoid a 15-mile road trip. Additionally, a temporary Long Island Railroad (LIRR) stop was established near Shinnecock, complete with a pedestrian bridge, echoing arrangements from the 2018 tournament. The frequency of trains stopping at Shinnecock has doubled since 2018, now totaling around 170 services.
The luxurious rental market in the Hamptons, typically bustling with wealthy homeowners, saw a softer demand during the U.S. Open than initially anticipated by some industry experts. This reduced demand was likely influenced by competing major events, such as the ongoing World Cup in the U.S. and the New York Knicks' journey to the NBA Finals, which culminated in a parade on Thursday. Bryan Fedner, co-founder of StayMarquis, a Hamptons-based luxury rental company, noted that marketing budgets might have been diverted to these other significant events. StayMarquis, collaborating unofficially with the USGA, created a dedicated booking website for U.S. Open accommodations, securing 222 bookings and capturing about 25% of the local market. Their most expensive booking reached $150,000. Despite the overall softer demand, the revenue generated during U.S. Open week for StayMarquis surpassed their typical July 4th bookings, which is usually their busiest period.
The 2026 U.S. Open commenced at Shinnecock Hills amidst a backdrop of moderate attendance and a range of unique logistical considerations. While spectator numbers were lower than previous championships, the event provided ample premium transport options and showcased the resilience of the local luxury rental market, even when facing competition from other high-profile sporting events.
