J.B. Holmes has officially qualified for the 2026 U.S. Open, marking his first appearance in a major championship since 2019. The 44-year-old Campbellsville native secured his spot by shooting a nine-under score at Lake Golf and Country Club during qualifying rounds. His return to the national championship stage ends a seven-year drought in major tournament play.
The path back to the major stage
Holmes’ return to the U.S. Open follows a rigorous qualifying process that tested the veteran’s form after years away from the elite circuit. According to tournament records, his last major appearance occurred during the 2019 season. That year, he competed in all four major championships, a feat he accomplished only five times throughout his career. His 2019 campaign included a notable start at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush, where he held the lead through two rounds before finishing 67th. The upcoming tournament at Shinnecock Hills provides Holmes an opportunity to reset his major championship trajectory at age 44.
Historical performance at the U.S. Open
Analyzing Holmes’ history at the U.S. Open reveals a career defined by volatility. Since his first appearance in 2003, his results have ranged from missing the cut to top-20 finishes. Data provided by the PGA Tour shows that his best finish at this specific major was a 12th-place result at Erin Hills in 2017. Conversely, he has missed the cut at the event four times, including his most recent outing at Pebble Beach in 2019.
| Year | Course | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Pinehurst No. 2 | T-17 |
| 2015 | Chambers Bay | T-27 |
| 2017 | Erin Hills | 12 |
| 2019 | Pebble Beach | Missed Cut |
Frequently asked questions
- How did J.B. Holmes qualify for the 2026 U.S. Open? He earned his spot by shooting a nine-under round during qualifiers at Lake Golf and Country Club.
- When was the last time Holmes played a major championship? His last appearance was in 2019, when he competed in all four major championships.
- What is Holmes’ best finish in a major? He tied for 4th at the 2016 Masters and finished 3rd at the 2016 Open Championship.
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