Boucher, Horvat, Bryan Brothers and More: Big Names Making Headlines

The 2026 U.S. Open is underway at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, and even before tournament play fully settled in, several golf content creators had already shared their own scores from the famed layout.

Among the early standouts was Mac Boucher, who posted a 1-over-par 71 after taking on the Long Island course in difficult wind. The former Canadian professional, widely recognized for his shot-shaping and spin control, handled the conditions impressively from the back tees.

“We are out here, this is the USGA preview for the U.S. Open,” Boucher said. “We are going to play the furthest back tees on every single hole, so you aren’t going to see tee blocks. Realistically, breaking 80 will be a feat.”

Boucher was one of only a few players who chose to step back from the standard media-day setup and play yardages more in line with what the professionals are facing this week. That decision made his round all the more notable.

Afterward, Boucher said he was pleased with the result, especially given the weather.

“I believe I came into the clubhouse with a 1-over 71,” he said. “Pretty good shooting considering the conditions. Pretty windy. Excited to see this place during tournament conditions at the U.S. Open. I think it will be a lot more challenging. The rough will be long, the fairways and greens will be firm and fast, and I think it will be a true test.”

Both the Bryan Bros and Grant Horvat also moved back from the media-day tees. Horvat and Wesley Bryan each shot 73. While other creators played into the evening, racing the sunset, this group played through some of the strongest wind gusts of the day.

“This place is hard. Viewer discretion advised,” Wesley Bryan said of his prospective second round. “The wind is up, about 30 mph again today.”

An injured George Bryan shot a 78 that included a hole-in-one. It marked the first time the Bryan Bros channel has filmed a hole-in-one and the first ace made during the “Major Cut Series.” George had withdrawn from a previous event due to an aggravated oblique injury. He still showed signs of pain throughout his rounds at Shinnecock but remained in high spirits.

“Well, welcome to the Major Cut,” George Bryan said after his hole-in-one. “Wait, do I own a Lexus? This is why golf is the best. I’ve had half an oblique today, I’ve been struggling, but I’m having the best time of my life, and then I make an ace.”

Micah Morris also shot a 73.

“We shot 4-over, making the cut,” Zac Radford said. “You don’t love the way that round ended, but you love making the cut.”

Radford and Peter Finch both shot 74 and appeared to play the media tees on most holes. After 10 holes, Finch was 2-under par before Shinnecock struck back. Radford relied on his trademark stinger to navigate the wind.

“Let’s get some photos and get some beers. We will see you soon,” Peter Finch said after his round at Shinnecock Hills.

Rick Shiels, Fat Perez of Bob Does Sports, and Erik Anders Lang all carded 77s. Shiels was aided by some short-game magic. After coming up short twice from off the green on the second hole, he holed his third attempt—a putt of more than 65 feet that broke roughly five feet.

“When you see these guys go out and shoot 60s, it is phenomenal,” Rick Shiels said. “The golf course during U.S. Open week will be harder, faster, and the rough will be thicker.”

No Laying Up participant Neil Schuster shot an 80. Known for his big miss to the right, the elements appeared to wreak havoc on his game, which typically produces scores in the mid-to-low 70s.

“You can’t hear anything because of the wind, and you can’t see anything because of the beachy light, so you feel like you’re in a desert or an alternate reality, all alone in the windscape,” Schuster said.

The lowest round by a creator came from Bryson DeChambeau. The reigning U.S. Open champion opened with an even-par 70 that included four birdies and four bogeys.