1996 U.S. Open (golf) Past champions in the field Past champions in the field

| Player | Country | Years_won | Total | To_par | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ernie Els | South Africa | 1994 | 281 | +1 | T5 |
| Lee Janzen | United States | 1993 | 283 | +3 | T10 |
| Tom Watson | United States | 1982 | 284 | +4 | T13 |
| Curtis Strange | United States | 1988 , 1989 | 287 | +7 | T27 |
| Jack Nicklaus | United States | 1962 , 1967 , 1972 , 1980 | 287 | +7 | T27 |
| Payne Stewart | United States | 1991 | 287 | +7 | T27 |
| Scott Simpson | United States | 1987 | 289 | +9 | T40 |
| Corey Pavin | United States | 1995 | 289 | +9 | T40 |
| Hale Irwin | United States | 1974 , 1979 , 1990 | 290 | +10 | T50 |
| Tom Kite | United States | 1992 | 294 | +14 | T82 |