If you’re trying to figure out where is US Open played this year, you’ve probably realized by now that the "US Open" isn’t just one thing. It's actually two of the biggest spectacles in American sports. One involves a small yellow ball and a lot of grunting in the New York humidity. The other involves a tiny white ball and some of the most diabolical grass known to man.
Both are coming to New York in 2026.
Honestly, it’s a massive year for the Empire State. We’re talking about the 126th U.S. Open for golf and the legendary hard-court slam for tennis. If you’re planning a trip or just trying to win a bar bet, here’s the exact breakdown of where these athletes are actually going to be sweating.
Shinnecock Hills: The Golf Gauntlet in Southampton
For the golfers, the 2026 U.S. Open is heading out to the Hamptons. Specifically, it's returning to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York.
This isn't just another golf course. It’s legendary. Shinnecock is one of the five founding member clubs of the USGA, and this year marks the sixth time the U.S. Open has landed on these specific rolling hills. It’s actually the only course to host the tournament in three different centuries. That’s a wild bit of trivia for you.
The dates are set: June 18–21, 2026.
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If you've ever seen Shinnecock on TV, you know it looks more like a Scottish links course than a typical American parkland. It’s got that rumpled, sandy terrain and winds that whip off the Peconic Bay. The USGA loves to make this place a nightmare for the pros. We’re talking about a par-70 layout that stretches over 7,434 yards.
People are still talking about the 2018 tournament there when Brooks Koepka barely survived the weekend. The greens can get so fast they’re basically glass. If the wind picks up, even the best in the world look like they’ve never picked up a club before. It’s brutal. It’s beautiful. It’s quintessential U.S. Open golf.
Where is US Open played this year for tennis?
Tennis fans, your destination is much closer to the city. The tennis US Open stays loyal to its home at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens.
The 2026 tournament runs from August 30 to September 13.
But wait. There’s a bit of a twist this year. If you haven't been in a while, the place is going to look a little different. The USTA is currently mid-swing on a massive $800 million "reimagining" of the grounds.
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Basically, they’re gutting parts of Arthur Ashe Stadium to make it even more of a monster venue. For 2026, you’re going to see a brand-new "Grand Entrance" and a much bigger promenade. They’re adding 2,000 new courtside seats, which is cool if you have the budget for it, but they’re also adding 40% more space for food and retail on the upper levels.
The Courts You Need to Know
While Arthur Ashe is the crown jewel with its 23,000+ seats and retractable roof, the real "tennis nerds" spend their time on the outer courts.
- Louis Armstrong Stadium: The second-largest spot, also with a roof. It’s got a great vibe and feels much "closer" to the action.
- The Grandstand: Tucked away in the corner of the park. It’s arguably the most beautiful court on the grounds.
- The Field Courts: This is where you actually see the sweat. You’re three feet away from a 130mph serve.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re heading to Shinnecock in June, don’t even think about driving unless you love the sight of brake lights on the Long Island Expressway. The "Trade Parade" is real. Your best bet is the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). They usually run a special "Open Train" that drops you off right near the gates.
For the tennis in Queens, it’s the 7 Train. Or the LIRR to Mets-Willets Point.
Driving to Flushing Meadows during the Open is a special kind of hell. Between the Mets playing next door at Citi Field and the tennis crowds, the parking lots turn into a gridlock nightmare. Take the train. Grab a Honey Deuce (the official drink, it’s basically a raspberry lemonade with vodka and melon balls) and enjoy the fact that you aren't stuck in traffic.
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Real Talk: The Cost of Being There
Let’s be real for a second. Attending either of these isn't cheap.
Grounds passes for the golf tournament can start around $150 for early rounds and skyrocket for Sunday. If you want into the fancy "1895 Club" or the "Trophy Club," you’re looking at thousands.
Tennis is similar. You can get into the grounds for a relatively "affordable" price during the first week, but once you start looking at Arthur Ashe night sessions for the quarterfinals, be prepared to pay a premium.
Why the 2026 dates matter
Since the golf Open is in mid-June and the tennis Open starts late August, you can actually hit both if you’re a sports junkie. New York in June is typically gorgeous. New York in late August is... well, it’s a humid swamp. But that’s part of the US Open tennis experience. You haven't truly lived until you’ve watched a five-set thriller at 1:00 AM while melting into your seat.
Essential Next Steps for 2026 Attendees
If you’re serious about going, don’t wait.
- Hotel Bookings: For Shinnecock, hotels in Southampton are likely already gone or priced for billionaires. Look at Riverhead or even further west and commute in. For tennis, stay in Long Island City—it’s a quick hop on the 7 train to the stadium.
- Ticket Strategy: Sign up for the "US Open Insider" for tennis and the "USGA Victory Club" for golf. That’s how you get the pre-sale codes. Buying on the secondary market a week before is a recipe for getting fleeced.
- App Downloads: Both tournaments have pretty great official apps. They give you live GPS tracking of players (golf) and real-time court schedules (tennis).
Knowing where is US Open played this year is just the start. Whether you’re walking the fairways of Shinnecock or the concrete of Flushing Meadows, bring comfortable shoes and a lot of sunscreen. You’re going to need it.