KEEP AN EYE ON THESE 3
RORY McILROY
World ranking: 2 2016 finish: Missed cut
Best U.S. Open finish: First (2011) Reason to watch: The big question with McIlroy has nothing to do with his game and everything to do with the rib injury that has limited his play this season. He's played only once since the Masters in April and admits to limited practice time because he did not want to risk enhancing his physical woes. He does have four top-10s but was T-35 in his last outing at the Players. He has the game to win on Erin Hills' links-style course, but does he have the good health?
RICKIE FOWLER
World ranking: 9 2016 finish: Missed cut Best U.S. Open finish: T-2 (2014) Reason to watch: Fowler is paired the first two days with Rahm and Matsuyama in an annual grouping of the best players yet to have won a major. Long predicted to be a future star, Fowler has a win, a second and a third this year and was T-2 at the Memorial, so he's in decent form. Nevertheless, Erin Hills doesn't seem likely to be the place where Fowler finally breaks through. Still, he has the talent, so we wait and watch and keep an eye on him this week.
JUSTIN ROSE
World ranking: 11 2016 finish: Missed cut
Best U.S. Open finish: First (2013) Reason to watch: Many believe Erin Hills is a course that will play well for veterans of the European Tour's links golf courses. If so, keep your eye on Rose. He has already bested one U.S. Open course, winning his only major at Merion in 2013, so he has shown he can handle the withering pressure these courses play on a golfer's psyche. While Rose hasn't played well recently he has four top-10 finishes this season, including a second at the Masters when he lost a playoff to Sergio.