U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2026

June 19, 2026

James Nicholas

Shinnecock Hills Golf Club

Quick Quotes

Q. So 3 over through 36 holes. Obviously you're here at Shinnecock in your hometown. Looks like you're right inside the cut line as of now. Just what would it mean for you to compete into the weekend with all your family and friends surrounding you and obviously such a huge putt right there on 9 to end it. What was that like?

JAMES NICHOLAS: That 2-footer felt like it was 15 feet or so. You dream about playing the weekend in the U.S. Open as a kid, and I did that last year, and that was sort of a pinch-me moment. This year has been a little bit different. I feel like I can contend out here.

I didn't have my best stuff the last two days, but it's close. Playing out here in front of all my friends and family is making me cry. It means so much. There's so many people from Scarsdale, from the 10583, from Westchester County, and the support I've had from my wife and my friends and family has been incredible.

I think it looks like it's going to hold up. I can't imagine it goes the other way, but you never know out here. Maybe the wind dies down when the sun goes down. I'm looking forward to hopefully two more good days out here.