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The remarkable journey of Rolex Testimonee Scottie Scheffler will take him to Shinnecock Hills, New York, where he will attempt to complete the career Grand Slam at the 2026 U.S. Open.
If the American conquers this historic championship from Thursday 18 to Sunday 21 June, he will join a small group of golfers to have won all four men’s majors, including his fellow Rolex Testimonees Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. It would be fitting if Scheffler were to claim his crowning moment at the U.S. Open, an event at which Rolex has been the Official Timekeeper since 1980 and renowned as one of the toughest tests in golf.
Played this year across 72 holes on a classic links-style course, the undulating terrain and challenging conditions of Shinnecock Hills Golf Club will require consistent accuracy and precision, both of which are traits that have defined Scheffler’s extraordinary career.
U.S. Open Trophy – Shinnecock Hills – Bruce Bennett
“I am always striving for excellence in everything that I do – whether that is playing golf or being the best version of myself,” Scheffler says. “When it comes to precision, I think it is something that is a bit underrated in the sport. People get really excited when players can hit the ball really far but ultimately it is a precise game and you have to be extremely precise in order to win tournaments. Golf is a game of fine margins and little inches can make a huge difference so as professional golfers, we are always trying to get a little bit better at a time.”
Scheffler joined the Rolex family in 2022 and won his first major championship at the Masters Tournament the same year. Edging closer to the career Grand Slam he claimed both the PGA Championship and The Open in 2025. Along the way, his success and rhythmic swing have been shaped by long-standing team members, who have helped Scheffler not only reach the very top of the sport but continue to remain there. Scheffler says: “I have had the same coach since I was seven years old – Randy Smith. He basically taught me everything that I know and has definitely had the greatest influence on my career. He has been guiding me for as long as I can remember.”
The U.S. Open is the oldest major in the United States and the Rolex Testimonees have played a key part in its storied history, since it was first staged in 1895. Player completed his career Grand Slam at the 1965 edition and backs the American to follow in his footsteps. Player says: “Scottie has the entire package and is a very nice young man, too. He does everything exceptionally well. Every course suits him.
That is called talent.” Reflecting on the qualities it takes to win all four major tournaments, Player adds: “Achievements like the [career] Grand Slam require patience, humility and belief. To truly judge greatness, a player must be tested globally. The first Rolex I received in 1965 will always be deeply special – it marked a defining chapter of my career.”
Now, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is primed to take its place once again as one of the grandest stages in golf. This is the sixth time that the U.S. Open has been held at this revered course, with Rolex Testimonee Brooks Koepka prevailing on the last occasion in 2018. While there is also a milestone to celebrate for another Testimonee as Jon Rahm marks five years since he won his first major in this event at Torrey Pines in 2021.
Both will be challenged here by a collective of Testimonees, including Ludvig Åberg, Sungjae Im and Collin Morikawa, bidding to claim for the first time the U.S. Open championship trophy and Jack Nicklaus medal, renamed in 2012 in honour of the iconic sporting legend and member of the Rolex family.
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Main Image: Rolex
