Wichita native Sam Stevens made local golf history Sunday by recording the best finish ever by a Wichitan in a major championship, tying for seventh place at the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.
The Kapaun graduate finished the tournament at 1-over par, earning his first career top-10 finish in a major. Stevens remained in contention throughout the weekend and closed with consecutive rounds of 72.
After a challenging start to his final round that included three bogeys over the first eight holes, Stevens responded with birdies on the ninth and 10th holes to climb back into the mix.
His tie for seventh surpasses the previous best major finish by a Wichita golfer, eclipsing Grier Jones’ tie for 16th at the 1978 PGA Championship. The result also marks the strongest major championship performance of Stevens’ professional career and adds another milestone to his rise on the PGA Tour.
