The best take to the Erin Hills
The 117th US Open tees off in Wisconsin today. Here JACQUES VAN DER WESTHUYZEN highlights everything you need to know about the year’s second Major
CHARL SCHWARTZEL the 32-year-old won the Masters in 2011, he won the Valspar Championship last year and he finished runner-up at the FedEX St Jude Classic on Sunday. He’s in decent form.
GEORGE COETZEE for many, the 30-year-old is the most likely local man to go all the way. He has performed well in recent weeks and with a trimmed body might be a surprise package.
LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN the winner of the Open Championship in 2010 is also in good form having made every cut on tour this season, with a best finish of tied-second at the Players.
BRANDON STONE the three-time European Tour winner will tee it up at a US open for the first time which will excite him, but he’ll have to keep his emotions in check. Making the cut would be awesome.
BRANDEN GRACE A man for the big occasion, the 25-year-old has done well at the Majors before, but he hasn’t set the scene alight since winning the RBC Heritage a year ago.
THOMAS AIKEN like Coetzee and Stone, the 33-year-old had to qualify for the tournament, the second time he’ll play a US Open. He finished tied25th in 2015 and will hope for a good showing.
ERNIE ELS the veteran, four-time Major winner has bagged two US open titles, in ‘94 and ‘97, but he has made just four cuts in America this year, possibly his last full season on tour.
OLIVER BEKKER the rookie in the field, the 32-year-old has enjoyed a stunning season, winning twice this season and finishing third on two occasions. This will be his Major debut.