Ben Coley profiles each and every player taking part in the US Open at Pebble Beach, from Byeong Hun An to Chun An Yu.
AN, Byeong Hun
Ten years since he became the youngest ever winner of the US Amateur, which earned him a place at Pebble Beach in 2010. Missed the cut then and has since failed to make a real impact at any major, but certainly has the ball-striking prowess. At the time of writing ranked 204 of 207 players in putting and therein lies the problem as we pass four years since that awesome Wentworth win.
ANCER, Abraham
Straight-hitting Mexican who made a meal of things on his debut in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. That was three years ago, but his overall record in California is poor and the only real positive is his top-20 finish at Bethpage last month.
APHIBARNRAT, Kiradech
Shot 73 in his only competitive round at Pebble Beach, a course that wouldn’t look ideal on paper. Still, capable of surprising us and did so to an extent when 15th at Shinnecock last year to match his previous best major finish. Made both major cuts in 2019 and has been fifth and 17th in other more recent starts.
ARENDELL, Connor
Floridian whose best form so far comes courtesy of a handful of decent efforts on the Challenge Tour. Yet to show enough to suggest he’s going to complete the journey to the PGA Tour but did well to make it through qualifying, latterly in Maryland where he made just one bogey over 36 holes.
ARNAUS, Adri
Bright young talent from Spain who has a similar stride and a somewhat similar swing to Jon Rahm. Went to college in Texas and looks set for a lengthy career in the sport having already threatened to win on the European Tour. Emerged from a barren run to qualify in spectacular fashion at Walton Heath with two late eagles and that’s very much indicative of what he’s all about.
Both swings on repeat ALL day. ♻️
— Harvey Jamison (@HarvJamisonNCG) June 5, 2019
Couple of strikers on the European Tour: @Minwoo27Lee & @AdriArnaus. pic.twitter.com/pmm0u8l8HV
BADDELEY, Aaron
One-time superstar in the making who has forged an unspectacular but successful career held back by various swing experiments. Remains best known as a dynamite putter, as we’ve seen lately, yet has had the odd display of quality ball-striking, too. If ever marrying the two he’d be a force all right and he does putt poa annua particularly well, as we saw when winning at Riviera once.
BERGER, Daniel
Tobacco-chewing tough-guy who has started to build a nice profile in majors. Masters record shows three cuts made in three visits and after benefitting from a massive weather shift on Saturday at Shinnecock, he stuck around well enough for sixth place. Also been 12th in the PGA Championship and started well in last month’s edition, all of which speaks to his nature as a competitor who wants nothing more than to fight. Tenth at Pebble in the AT&T, shooting 67-70 at this course, and can go well.
BJERREGAARD, Lucas
Gained special temporary membership on the PGA Tour having impressed many with fourth-place finish in the World Match Play back in the spring. Since been 21st and 16th at Augusta and Bethpage respectively, an excellent start to life among the sport’s elite, and the best is yet to come. Concern would be that for all he does have form around fiddly tracks, Pebble Beach might not lend itself to his style at this stage. Full of confidence, though.
BLAIR, Zac
Short-hitting, life-loving member of golf twitter’s hipster community who qualified at Springfield Country Club alongside Brian Stuard, suggesting finding fairways was vital. Doing that for fun on the Web.com Tour and this test will suit, so having been 40th on his sole US Open start to date looks a potential candidate to make the cut against the odds.
BLING, Devon (a)
Thrashed by Viktor Hovland in the final of the US Amateur here and six shots behind him at the Masters. Hails from California and will again have college coach on the bag as he looks to make another major weekend.
BRADLEY, Keegan
Remains a fine driver and a bad putter, as has been the case ever since the anchoring ban came in a couple of years after he won the 2011 PGA Championship. Ended six-year winless run in the BMW Championship last autumn and has since made both major cuts, so there are some reasons to be hopeful at a venue where he finished 15th in 2011. Made a blistering start to the Canadian Open and there will be those backing him to do the same here.
BRAMLETT, Joseph
Drew comparisons to Tiger Woods when graduating from Stanford and going on to double the number of African-American players on the PGA Tour. Career hasn’t really taken off since he missed the cut in the US Open here in 2010, but has played some nice stuff on the Web.com Tour this year. Lives in San Jose, an hour or so north of Pebble Beach, and has played the course many times including in the high-class invitational held in November time. Will be well supported.
BREMNER, Merrick
Bought us time when leading after round one of the South African Open in 2012. It has been a long seven years since but this fiery powerhouse has found a level of consistency lately which suggests he’s going to start winning regularly on the Sunshine Tour. Qualified at Walton Heath but will struggle to avoid big numbers here.
BURMESTER, Dean
Another big-hitting South African who blazed a trail at Walton Heath to earn medallist honours. Made his major championship debut in last year’s US Open and made the cut, but that was at a course better set-up for big hitters. Here at Pebble Beach he’ll need to show a little more variety.
CABRERA BELLO, Rafa
Spanish underachiever whose short-game has cost him many titles. Has won the Scottish Open since making an impressive Ryder Cup debut in 2016 but still hasn’t kicked on and might just be too nice, having reportedly wept when not making the side in 2018. Should make the cut given overall consistency, including 26th and 22nd in the AT&T over the last two years, but if he doesn’t will relish the chance to get the surfboard out and continue living life like a champion, even in the absence of silverware. Nice man.
CANTLAY, Patrick
Broke into the world’s top 10 for the first time when winning the Memorial Tournament courtesy of one of the best final-round displays you'll see all year, having earlier contended at Augusta and Bethpage. Still has a lot more to give and this is a great chance for him at the venue where he made his comeback from injury and personal tragedy in 2017. Showed back then that the talent remained and has relentlessly climbed the ladder since - suspect he won’t stop climbing until he’s number one. No weaknesses and there might only be one man who arrives here with a greater level of confidence.
CASEY, Paul
Supreme ball-striker who had the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am within his grasp in February, only to slow down on Sunday and finish second. It was ever thus. Started well here in the 2010 US Open, too, and has gone close all over California, so a candidate should the cards fall as he perhaps needs them to. Slight concern over withdrawal at Colonial but it was illness rather than injury and he should be fine. Arms like Popeye, words like Brent.
CASTRO, Roberto
Fairway-finding redhead who was eighth in the AT&T a few years ago and has popped up in elite company with the odd blistering round that players of his ilk are always capable of. Yet to win but came close on a championship course at Quail Hollow, although it must be said his form lately has been poor and includes an 82 at Trinity Forest. Arrested the slide to some degree in the early stages of the Canadian Open.
DAHMEN, Joel
Cancer survivor who nearly got off the mark at Quail Hollow in May. Hails from Washington and played reasonably in the AT&T last year. Wears a silly hat.
DANIELSON, Charlie
Former University of Illinois star whose sister is also a promising talent. Rates his short-game a strength and showed as much when coming through a play-off in the Dallas sectional qualifier, although his swing is also very pretty. Recent form on the Canadian Tour has been solid and while this is a big step up in grade for a 25-year-old very much still learning the ropes, he’s picked up some PGA Tour experience including when 22nd close to home in the John Deere Classic.
DAVIS, Brian
English veteran who has missed five cuts from six starts this year. Fifteen years since he last won a main-tour event and while he’s gone close by the coast, it’s impossible to see him contending here having come through a weak sectional qualifier in Texas.
DAY, Jason
Indifferent year so far but highlights came in the Masters, when fifth, and out here at Pebble Beach when fourth. Indeed his record at this course in the AT&T is very strong and it’s not all that surprising, as he’s brilliant on poa annua and can get up and down from anywhere. Approach play remains well short of other departments and will likely need to tighten up. Alas, more likely that his back does and is becoming a little frustrating having looked set to dominate the sport when winning his sole major in 2015. Arguably no longer the chief Aussie threat.
DECHAMBEAU, Bryson
Science savant or fraudster who has been one of the disappointments of spring and early summer, that despite leading on day one of the Masters. Started 2019 in much the same form as he ended 2018, picking up another title in Dubai, but since stopping off to sell his soul to Saudi Arabia he’s not managed a single top-10. More recently did finish well at the Memorial with a round of 66, but that was putter-led and the day before he made three triple-bogeys. Hopes pinned on a step forward from that and the fact he’s from California.
DIETRICH, Eric
Connecticut pro who won the Hammock Creek Winter Classic in March and has since been working out how to spend the $900 dollars. You don’t need me to tell you that this is not form which suggests he’ll win the US Open, but he did dominate his qualifier and is only in his mid-20s.
DONALD, Luke
Artist, sommelier, MBE and all-round good egg who still plays golf from time to time. Indeed he’s fighting hard to reignite a career which once saw him reach the very top of the world and it was a seriously brave effort to qualify for this one day after a final-round 80 at the Memorial. Still looks some way off with his driving of the ball but boasts a short-game which could help keep his head above water and approach play is just fine. Getting there.
DREWITT, Brett
Aussie who won the Pacific Northwest Amateur in 2010, just like Tiger Woods did some 25 years ago. Comparisons end there but this is accordingly a good place for his major debut, especially as he finished 33rd in the PGA Tour event held that is held here on what's his sole appearance to date.
It wasn’t a dream! I’m on my way to #pebblebeach for the @usopen Excited for my first major and couldn’t make my first one in a more special place pebblebeachresorts #roadtopebblebeach #teamsrixon #letsgo #teamdrewitt https://t.co/hBWnaBAlgX
— Brett Drewitt (@BrettDrewittPGA) June 4, 2019
DUFNER, Jason
Ambivalent waggler who emerged from the doldrums to finish fourth at Quail Hollow and has since built on that without quite threatening to win. Suspect it’s too early on the long road back to consider this former major champion, one who is about as fond of poa annua as he is fartlek training. Did all right here in 2010 but wider record at Pebble Beach is horrendous.
EATON, Chandler (a)
Duke junior who mixed it with a couple of PGA Tour players to come through qualifier close to home in Atlanta, Georgia.
ECKROAT, Austin (a)
Member of the dominant Oklahoma State team who have been making headlines all year, largely thanks to Matthew Wolff and Viktor Hovland. Birdie in sectional play-off enough to earn a place here and this talented amateur will have eyes on competing with his Norwegian team-mate. First, he's playing the Palmer Cup along with a couple of these.
ELS, Ernie
Granddaddy of a golfer who turns 50 in October. Second here to Tiger Woods, beaten a million shots, in 2000, and had a chance when third in 2010, but early-season promise has disappeared and he withdrew from the Memorial last time. Shame, as I thought he might have one last hurrah in him this summer. Perhaps he’ll recover in time for Portrush but he owes us nothing.
ENGLISH, Harris
One-time Great White Hope whose early wins are fading memories now. Has battled issues off the tee which need solving before he's a threat at this level, despite strong record nearby at Torrey Pines.
ENOCH, Rhys
Almost exactly 10 years after his brother, Ben, tragically died in a car accident, Enoch produced some inspired golf to make it through the Walton Heath qualifier for his first stateside major start. Made the cut in the Open last year and will hope to do the same having played well both in South Africa and on the Challenge Tour this season. Flies the flag for Cornwall and Wales.
ETULAIN, Julian
Fourth in Dallas sectional qualifier but has been struggling a little for form and fitness recently. Played some decent golf in the AT&T here earlier this year and in 2017 but if he can get anywhere near the top 30 it’ll have been a successful US Open debut.
FINAU, Tony
Popular member of the US Ryder Cup side who boasts remarkable power, delivered in a unique style. Remains with the reputation of a nice guy who just finishes second, but there wasn’t much wrong with his effort in China late last year and it’s a matter of time before he doubles his PGA Tour tally. Could happen in a major, too, as he’s built up a record of remarkable consistency and played with Tiger Woods on the final day of the Masters, as well as in the final group of this event last year. Missed cut at the Memorial the only real concern and has gone well here in the past.
FITZPATRICK, Matthew
Ballsy youngster who has climbed an aggregate of 120 places during the second round of this season’s majors so far, shooting 78-67 at Augusta and 75-65 at Bethpage. Will need to start better, then, but no doubt this and the Open suit him better than the Masters and a long, rain-soaked course at the PGA. Hasn’t missed a cut since February and while that came here, his record in the Dunhill Links suggests six-hour rounds with amateurs don’t suit - he is a quiet type who plays quickly. Better judged on everything else he’s done including win in US Amateur and certainly one to consider each-way.
FLEETWOOD, Tommy
Struggled on major Sundays this year but otherwise remains a model of consistency. Picked up some valuable Pebble Beach experience in February and having grown up by the sea where he crafted that monotonous three-quarter follow-through, he’ll love conditions here. Fourth and second in the last two renewals of the US Open, part of a run of nine major cuts made in succession, and easy to forget he’s a couple of years younger than Rory. Loads more to come and will expect to play well having posted a serious clubhouse total at Shinnecock only to get Koepka-d.
FOWLER, Rickie
Loveable Californian who was a distant second in the 2014 US Open and fifth at Erin Hills in 2017. Ninth at the Masters earlier this year despite not holing as many as he usually does and there are few more consistent at this level – he’s made 12 major cuts in a row since a disappointing effort at Oakmont three years ago. Worrying record on poa annua would be the primary negative along with far too much swing talk at the Memorial, where he loomed menacingly at halfway but dropped away tamely on Saturday. Possible that Portrush presents a better chance for that elusive major, with true links golf ideal and more time for changes to bed in.
FOX, Ryan
Contractually obliged to write ‘son of New Zealand rugby legend Grant’, despite the fact I have absolutely no interest in rugby. Hits it miles, likes playing by the coast, but has been poor since winning the World Super 6 Perth in February.
FRASER, Marcus
Australian nudger who has won at big intervals on the European Tour and made five cuts in six attempts in US majors. Finds more than his share of fairways but qualifying run was out of the blue as it’s been a very quiet year to date.
FURYK, Jim
One-eyed raven who has rediscovered his game this season, evidently angered by how poor some of his Ryder Cup squad were in Paris where he’d have been far more effective as a player. Unlucky to bump into Rory being Rory at Sawgrass when runner-up and with a solid Pebble Beach record and the driver as accurate as ever, suddenly looks a contender again. Won the US Open at Olympia Fields, nearly won it at Olympic Club, so maybe needs the course to change its name to Olympia Beach or something.
Amazing finish to @THEPLAYERSChamp as Jim Furyk tries to take down half the @RyderCupEurope team at Sawgrass..#ThePlayersChampionshippic.twitter.com/fryAHy4aSe
— Sporting Life (@SportingLife) March 17, 2019
GAGNE, Luis
Costa Rican LSU graduate who was the joint-leading amateur at Shinnecock last year. Makes his professional debut here after Palmer Cup appearance and looks to have a bright future.
GARCIA, Sergio
Once good for an annual major top-10 but since winning the Masters, form at this level has fallen off a cliff. In fact, it’ll be eight major missed cuts in a row should he fail to make the weekend here and clearly that’s a sequence which can’t be written off as random. Won twice last year in Singapore and Spain – it’s about time he reminded us all that he’s better than that, but hasn’t shown a great affinity for this layout and can’t be strongly fancied as things stand.
GLOVER, Lucas
Flusher who won the US Open a decade ago on his preferred east coast. Played some of his best golf since during the early part of the season and was 16th at the PGA, having earlier taken seventh at Pebble in the AT&T. Definitely among the players you’d seek to either side with or avoid opposing in three-balls as he could threaten at a price and is on the radar for a top 20, albeit performance under pressure remains a worry.
GRACE, Branden
Bar sophomore slump in 2013, a player who picked up at least a title a year from his 2012 breakthrough to the 2017 Nedbank Golf Challenge – one of the most important to him. This tells us things haven’t been going smoothly as the Nedbank was his last win, and a change in caddie to Craig Connelly didn’t appear to make too much of a difference. Good game for Pebble Beach, being a low-ball-hitting coastal specialist whose sole stateside success came by the sea at Harbour Town, and that’s backed up by a solid return in the PGA Tour event held here. Could bounce back.
GRIBBLE, Cody
Does a fine impression of Derek Ernst, if you ask nicely.
GRILLO, Emiliano
Better player than his price and PGA Tour win – in his first event with a card – came in California. Conditions very different here but if he’s at his best from the tee could drive his way to a big week in bid to emulate compatriot Angel Cabrera, winner of the 2007 edition. In stark contrast to El Pato, Grillo’s major record is quite ugly but having made the cut at Augusta he finished 23rd at Bethpage and that progress may continue. Curious as to why he’s not played Pebble before, mind.
GUTHRIE, Luke
Formerly promising college graduate who had lost his way until turning things around over the last month or so, first with a strong run on the Web.com Tour and then with a dominant performance in that competitive qualifier in Ohio. Puts the malaise down to reading Martin Kaymer’s book about how drawing the ball is worth risking your career for but is back doing what he does best now and there should be plenty more to come. Made both cuts in the AT&T and short-game is red hot.
HADLEY, Chesson
Finger-snapping tall tree who hasn’t been up to much lately. Does have two top-10 finishes in the AT&T but shot 78 at this course in February.
HAGESTAD, Stewart (a)
Third straight US Open appearance for the former US Mid-Am winner, but he’ll need to up his game having missed both cuts so far. Shot himself out of it on day one at Shinnecock though might find this more suitable.
HALVORESEN, Andreas
Ambitious youngster from Norway who has been banging on the door on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica this year and sneaked through alongside Hagestad in California, despite getting just four hours’ sleep after his flight arrived at 1am. Plenty of potential and hopes to tee it up with compatriot Viktor Hovland in practice.
HARDING, Justin
Fine advert for perseverance having transformed his career with five wins since the start of 2018. Held his own on his Masters debut to finish inside the top 12 and made the cut at the PGA, so difficult to rule out another big showing from a strong driver who is full of confidence and deservedly inside the world’s top 50 now. Overpriced, surely.
HARDY, Nick
Backed up a closing 65 on the Web.com Tour when coming through qualifying in Ohio, where rounds of 68 and 66 were good enough to share medallist honours and earn a third crack at this. Made the cut at Chambers Bay and fought hard despite missing the cut at Oakmont. Level of detail on his Wikipedia page suggests dad is very proud.
HATTON, Tyrrell
Angry, yes, but his wife Queen Margaery Tyrell did leave him to marry Joffrey without so much as a farewell. Perhaps that lingering resentment explains why he hasn’t quite kicked on from a fine Ryder Cup debut, though there have been some positives of late including a top-10 finish at Colonial. This is a very different test but being by the coast will suit a two-time Dunhill Links winner and he’s interesting enough having proved he can survive a test of patience when sixth at Shinnecock.
.@TyrrellHatton will always let you know how he feels. pic.twitter.com/8G0HKJgyk1
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 2, 2018
HILLIER, Daniel (a)
Amateur from New Zealand who will hope to emulate compatriot Michael Campbell, who followed the same path through Walton Heath and went on to win the main event in 2005. Of course, Campbell was already a successful pro whereas Hillier would be the most shocking winner of a major in history, you’d think, and with no plans to turn professional in the immediate future this is very much a free roll of the dice. Likely to come up one rather than six.
HOGE, Tom
Celebrated turning 30 by coming through a small-field qualifier in Canada to earn his third crack at the US Open. Missed the cut in the first two and doesn’t have much of a record at Pebble Beach, but does throw in the odd low number on short courses.
HOLMES, J.B.
In one of the most remarkable displays of f***wittery in my career, I put him up at Pebble Beach in February and not at Riviera one week later. The rest, as they say, is history. To further aggravate me he’s since played like an absolute dope and to complete the set he’ll probably go and win on his return to Pebble Beach, where he was second in the AT&T back in 2010. Go away.
HORIKAWA, Mikumu
Came through the Japan sectional via a play-off but no great shakes out in his homeland this year. Did finish second in the Dunlop Phoenix – ahead of Brooks Koepka and selected others – but that was seven months ago and nothing in his recent profile says he’ll make an impact.
HORSCHEL, Billy
Best known for winning the FedEx Cup in 2014, demonstrating his streaky nature at the most lucrative time. The previous year he’d hit all 18 greens in one round of US Open golf at Merion and when his driver is on, he’s got that confidence off the tee which could keep him away from the trouble spots here. Putter has become a strength and there’s a big major weekend in him, yet a miserable record here in February says we’ll probably have to wait. Not to be confused with the astronomer William Herschel.
HORSFIELD, Sam
Englishman-in-Florida who has learned his trade under the watchful gaze of Ian Poulter. No doubt has grand plans to make it back to the USA full-time but for now has been struggling on the European Tour since completing a promising rookie campaign in which he threatened to win a couple of times. Signs of life at Walton Heath where he finished second to earn his third US Open start but a little too aggressive for comfort.
HOVLAND, Viktor (a)
Stud whose Oklahoma State team is considered one of the best in college golf history by some – despite losing in the semi-finals of the NCAAs recently. This Norwegian star in the making was the leading amateur at the Masters and will fancy his chances of a repeat at Pebble Beach, scene of his dominant US Amateur triumph in 2018. The brightest European talent since Jon Rahm.
What does the future of golf look like?
— Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) August 26, 2018
This is #USAmateur champion Viktor Hovland’s swing 💪🏼💯 pic.twitter.com/3x1RFBKS4f
HOWELL III, Charles
Takes time out of the Democratic presidential primaries to pursue more golfing success, having finally lifted silverware again late in 2018. Picked up where he left off at the start of the year but there’s a serious red flag courtesy of his recent form, which has been so bad that one presumes there’s an underlying fitness issue. But for that he’d be one to be positive about having made every cut in five visits to Pebble at the AT&T.
HURLEY III, Billy
Ex-Navy lieutenant who won the Quicken Loans National in 2016 having turned his attentions to golf. Not much to shout about on the comeback trail this year except for qualifying effort in comfortable surroundings.
ICHIHARA, Kodai
Topped a very strong Japanese sectional at the end of May to earn his first US Open start. Otherwise it’s been a barren stretch since he won the Dunlop Phoenix, one of two victories in Japan last year.
IMAHIRA, Shugo
Back to full health now and that wasn’t the case when he missed the cut having been given a special invitation to the Masters. Also failed to make the weekend on his US Open debut at Erin Hills but learning all the time and has been in good form back home in Japan, with second place in Ichihara’s sectional sandwiched between top-10s.
JOHNSON, Dustin
World number one whose career will be defined not by what he’s achieved to get here, but by what he now does. That’ll sound harsh – he’s in elite company as a major champion and wins tournaments as frequently as anyone these days – but there are certain, generational talents for whom the normal rules do not apply. This isn’t Trevor Immelman nor Mike Weir nor Graeme McDowell nor even Justin Rose – one major for Dustin Johnson would be an underachievement. The search for number two is as likely to end here as it is anywhere. Johnson’s course record is one of feast or famine (nine-times inside the top eight, four times outside the top 40, never between the two) but it is essentially excellent, even allowing for the fact that AT&T form comes with the caveat that Pebble Beach accounts for just 36 of the 72 holes. But for a colossal failure here in the 2010 US Open, when a final-round 82 saw him surrender a three-shot lead in internet-busting style, his credentials would be flawless. In fact his record in this specific part of the United States is his entire career in microcosm: brilliant, sometimes absurdly so, but not quite as brilliant as it ought to be.
JOHNSON, Zach
Just three top-10 finishes since the start of the 2018 season. Two came in the same tournament, about a mile from his house, and the other came in Texas, where he’s always played well. The rest has been modest, with that unique but once-reliable putting method having failed and the game at last appearing to leave him behind. Infrequent visitor to Pebble Beach and finished 77th of 83 who made the cut here in 2010.
JONES, Matt
Winner of two events of note, firstly when holing out from sand to deny Matt Kuchar in Houston before tenaciously securing his national championship, the Australian Open, in 2015. Been struggling to keep his playing rights since and has a poor US Open record (WD-MC-MC). Fifth in the Byron Nelson but that more his level and this blink-and-you’ll-miss-him type is unlikely to find the grind of a Pebble Beach US Open to his liking.
KAYMER, Martin
Introspective and elucidating character who won the US Open at Pinehurst five years ago, bossing things from day one. Had already won a breezy PGA Championship and bagged a top 10 here at Pebble Beach in the 2010 US Open, so with the PLAYERS plus a WGC also in his locker has serious pedigree. Easy to see why there are those willing to keep the faith after eighth place in the British Masters and third at the Memorial, where for so long he looked like ending his winless run. It will come to an end at some stage and it would be oh-so Kaymer to pop up and bag major number three.
KIM, Chan
Missed out in a play-off in the Japan qualifier held in late May, only to then have his status upgraded. It means another chance to shine in a major for the 29-year-old, who is the answer to the quiz question you’ll often hear at your local: ‘who was 11th in the 2017 Open at Birkdale?’
KIM, Si Woo
Two-time winner on the PGA Tour before he turned 22, one of which was the PLAYERS Championship. That says much about talent but he’s been frustrating since, his long-game having declined as his short-game looks to have improved. Both do click occasionally – hence he’s a prolific birdie-maker – and 13th on US Open debut two years ago was a good effort. Always one to consider at fancy prices, especially having been fourth here in February, and ended run of missed cuts at the Memorial. Should've won by the sea last year, too.
KINHULT, Marcus
Crack amateur who won his first professional title of note at the British Masters in May. Showed real guts there, surrounded as he was by a collection of clutch locals, but in truth it wasn’t a shock to close observers of the European Tour despite his poor form previously. Sensational second round at Walton Heath qualifier earned him a US Open debut and being by the coast, this accurate type might be good enough to make the weekend. Sister Frida one to watch, too.
KISNER, Kevin
Getting good at this major lark, having been second in the Open Championship last summer and bagged three top-20 finishes in the PGA – a run ended by a missed cut at Bethpage. Shorter course here will suit his game but is no fan of the west coast in general, a best of 10th here about as much as he’d expect on his return. Otherwise there are reasons to be positive about a tenacious performer who won a WGC earlier in the year.
KIZZIRE, Patton
Languid southerner who started the season with eighth and 13th in Hawaii but has been in abysmal form since. Exception to that is 18th place at the Masters but he’s been in reverse gear again lately and it’s unlikely that’ll change on his Pebble Beach debut.
KOEPKA, Brooks
As with most things, you can take what has happened with Brooks Koepka since June 2017 and run in a series of directions, strengthening your argument as you go. The most obvious course is not only to say that he’s the best player in the sport when it matters most, but to see no reason why he won’t remain so. Another is to suggest he’s won more majors over the last couple of years than he will over the next couple, in all likelihood, but that he’s not going to be stuck for too long on four. And then there’s the idea that he’s enjoyed a wonderful run but that the fallibility which absolutely appeared during the back-nine at Bethpage suggests he might suddenly stop, just like Rory McIlroy did, just like Jordan Spieth did. Probably not quite like Tiger Woods did. If he wins at Pebble, we may need a fourth perspective, because this is a very different challenge. It isn't as suitable as Bethpage nor Bellerive nor Shinnecock nor Erin Hills - will that be enough to stop him?
KUCHAR, Matt
Nicknamed The Joker, not because he’s funny or even because he looks a little bit like Jack Nicholson’s version of Batman’s nemesis, but because while on the surface he wears the face of a harmless wag he is in fact evil and dangerous. If he wins it will in fact be his first victory of any kind in California, where to date he’s only twice finished inside the top five and both in the desert at the entirely different Bob Hope. That said he’s twice been sixth here at Pebble Beach, including when staying-on in 2010, and it’s easy to argue that since he dropped the act he’s been free to produce some of the best golf of his career. Among the pick of the plodders having got back on track in Canada following ugly scenes at the Memorial.
LAHIRI, Anirban
India’s sole representative after coming through sectional qualifying. Said afterwards that he feels really good about his game but form figures tell a different story as he’s without a solo top-30 finish all year. Record in California is similarly troubling and his best major finish, fifth at the 2015 PGA, isn’t going to come under threat here in all likelihood.
LASHLEY, Nate
Nebraska professional who has had to endure great personal loss, his parents and girlfriend having been killed in a plane crash after they’d watched him in an amateur event. Little wonder it’s taken Lashley a little while to establish himself and he’ll make his US Open debut at the age of 36.
LEE, K.H.
Plenty of positives in rookie year, most notably seventh in the Honda (a good major trial, as a rule) and third in the team event in New Orleans. More recently was flying high at the top of the Memorial leaderboard during round three, only to capitulate to 37th. Lots of success lately for Korean golfers on the circuit and this hard worker has potential having taken up the game to lose weight, rather than stick to the shot put.
LEE, Richard H.
Long-haired yo-yo golfer who has limited status on the Web.com Tour right now and is battling hard to make this job pay. Pebble Beach offers some hope as he’s been inside the top 15 on three of his four starts in the AT&T, albeit the latest of them was in 2014.
LEISHMAN, Marc
Quietly effective Aussie who can occasionally look the full package. Should’ve won the Open at St Andrews in 2015, an event in which he has three top-six finishes, and also contended for the Masters when watching on as compatriot Adam Scott won it in 2013. Hasn’t cracked the US Open yet (best of 18th at Oakmont) but goes well in California and returned to form at just the right time in the Memorial Tournament. No shock if he’s up there.
LI, Hao Tong
Affable flag-bearer for Chinese golf who stormed to a closing 63 when third in the Open two summers ago. Made both major cuts this year, might’ve won the China Open but for one nightmare hole in round three in-between, and kept things ticking over nicely at the Memorial. Whether he’s quite ready for this remains to be seen but improving all the time and a sure-fire major contender of the future.
LIST, Luke
Shot 1: 364 yards to fairway, 116 yards to hole
Shot 2: 115 yards to green, 8ft7in to hole
Shot 3: 11ft1in to green, 2ft6in to hole
Shot 4: 3ft6in to green, 1ft3in to hole
Shot 5: 2ft8in to green, 1ft8in to hole
Shot 6: In the hole
LOWRY, Shane
Back in form courtesy of top-10 finishes at the Heritage and the PGA Championship before good start in Canada, and with victory in Abu Dhabi in the locker already this year is one who will fancy his chances. First came to prominence when defying horrid conditions to win the Irish Open as an amateur and as well as winning the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, he looked like the 2016 US Open champion for a long time. Missing that chance set him back but things are looking up again and this is his bag.
MATSUYAMA, Hideki
Outstanding talent who has become frustrating since talking himself out of things in late 2017, when failure to win the PGA Championship a week after he’d dominated at Firestone stopped him in his tracks. Barely put a foot wrong this year as he looks to end the subsequent winless run and surely silverware is coming soon, whether here or not. Lack of Pebble Beach experience the major concern but he’s got coastal form, remains in the top one-percent from tee-to-green and has started to show good signs with the putter. Disappointing final round at Bethpage aside, he looks to have a really good chance to do what has appeared inevitable since 2013 and being ever so slightly off the radar should help.
MCDANIEL, Chip
Strong college player at Kentucky and having already won a minor tour event since turning professional, he looks a player of potential. Indeed, a closing 63 for fifth place in the Dominican Republic earlier this year showed he can mix it on the PGA Tour albeit in much weaker company than this.
MCDOWELL, Graeme
Gritty winner of the 2010 US Open here, building a lead from the remains of Dustin Johnson and doing enough to make things appear certain over the final hour or so. Almost doubled up back in California at Olympic club so is one who will relish this return to the west coast, especially now that he’s a winner again and has held his form nicely since. Highly motivated having not yet secured his place in the Open at Portrush (at the time of writing) and with his last missed cut way back in February, it’s not difficult to envisage a bold effort. Plays with DJ in the first round.
MCILROY, Rory
Divisive four-time major champion who prepared for this year’s batch in ideal fashion, winning at Sawgrass in the style of a man back to his cocksure best. Things haven’t gone to plan since, a slow start costing him at Augusta and May’s eighth place at the PGA very much a non-contending top-10. Missed cut at the Memorial raises further concerns and he’ll be frustrated not to have done better on a selection of ideal courses. Time now to look forward, however, with this and an Open at Portrush enough to hold his focus. Looks happier on the greens but shot 75-77 here in 2010 and clumsily missed the cut on his sole start in the AT&T. Never one to rule out but where he had conditions to suit at Bethpage, that isn’t quite the case here. Will need to up his wedge game.
MICKELSON, Phil
PR extraordinaire who has quickly found favour again, in time for the anniversary of that shocking incident at Shinnecock. Has been outspoken in his criticism of the USGA, anger no doubt stemming from the fact that he’s a six-time US Open runner-up who needs only this title for the career grand slam. Having won the AT&T five times, including this year, and been 16th and third in the US Open here, he won’t ever have a better chance. It’s a shame his form has been poor since that success in February but clearly a player who can turn it on from anywhere. Nobody will have greater support and it’s possible to argue that nobody plays the course better. Tempting.
MITCHELL, Keith
Big-hitting talent who won the Honda Classic at the expense of elite opponents earlier in the year. Two top-10 finishes since and played some decent stuff at both majors, all of which offers encouragement for the months and years ahead without earning him a place on the shortlist here.
MOLINARI, Francesco
Looked the winner for much of the Masters until two shocking mistakes on the back-nine. Still finished fifth, by far his standout Augusta effort, but a run of MC-48-53 since suggests it left a mark. No doubt he’ll put it behind him in time and perhaps that time will be now, as Pebble Beach suits more than a missed cut in 2010 would suggest. Looking for positives ahead of Open defence in July.
MORIKAWA, Collin
Quality youngster from California who made his professional debut at tour level in the Canadian Open, days after coming through a PGA Tour-packed qualifier in Ohio. Big future.
NA, Kevin
Loveable rogue who has made peace with his demons and reaped the rewards, winning twice since last summer having previously been 300 for one. Both these recent wins came on courses where his accuracy off the tee, smart wedge game and tidiness around the greens could shine and that kind of formula works well here. Indeed, as well as nearly winning at the Riv, Na has a couple of top-six finishes at Pebble Beach and having been raised in SoCal, this is something of a home game. Currently on a run of five cuts made in this tournament. None of the previous five venues gave him as much of a chance. Clap Your Hands Say Na!
NAUMEC, Matthew
Recently turned professional following a low-key amateur career in Boston. Looking to make a name for himself on the Canadian Tour and did well in qualifying, playing what he called flawless golf on the back-nine to sneak a US Open debut. It’s the stuff of dreams but might end in a nightmare.
NOREN, Alex
Grafter who likes playing by the coast, a fact evidenced by his Scottish Open triumph and play-off defeat down the road at Torrey Pines. Remains a little quiet but it could be significant that he’s put together a more consistent run since getting Augusta out of the way and did start brightly in Canada. Miserable major record away from the Open Championship albeit finished 25th at Shinnecock (when in better form) last year. Should take to the course on his first visit and therefore give Henrik Stenson something to think about, although not impossible Kinhult trumps them both.
NORTON, Noah (a)
Attends college at the coveted Georgia Tech but shot some big numbers at the NCAAs recently – albeit that was his worst golf of the season. Says he was at Pebble Beach to watch the 2010 US Open and has fixed the problems he experienced prior to qualifying alongside a couple of PGA Tour professionals. Will also have support with family based a few hours north of Pebble Beach.
O’CONNELL, Kevin (a)
Won the US Mid-Am last year, but for which he was all set for a second go at professional golf with a flight booked to take him to Europe and Qualifying School. Things changed with the Mid-Am win in Charlotte which earned him a place in the Masters and this, and he did well at Augusta, only narrowly missing the cut.
OLESEN, Thorbjorn
Two good performances this year – seventh in Dubai, 21st at the Masters – but otherwise been a real struggle to back up that draining, career-changing 2018 which saw him earn a Ryder Cup place and thrash Jordan Spieth in the singles to contribute to the winning score. Missed cut in Denmark a couple of weeks ago a concern and subsequently withdrew from the Memorial. Also unclear whether he’s found a caddie as it was meant to be Gareth Lord, but he’s wisely taken a job offer from Justin Rose instead. Dunhill Links winner who pops up out of nowhere from time to time.
OOSTHUIZEN, Louis
Habitual major nearly-man since winning the 2010 Open at St Andrews, finishing runner-up in all four including when a remarkable second at Chambers Bay at 2015, where he opened with a 77 and lost by a single shot to a man who had started with a 68. In a way that’s Oosthuizen in a nutshell: quite brilliant, but sometimes disengaged and absolutely infuriating. The fact he’s yet to win in the US tells its own story and he’s been at it again this year, leading the Masters at halfway and sitting 10th in the PGA, only to finish 29th and 60th. Low-key form elsewhere and lacks experience of the course having missed the cut in 2010.
Ready for the US open , after my last session with my trainer Kevin Duffy... This is how we roll.. pic.twitter.com/QxQPv2uMnr
— Louis Oosthuizen (@Louis57TM) June 11, 2016
OPPENHEIM, Rob
Says Pebble Beach is his favourite course in the whole wide world and secured his best PGA Tour finish there in 2017. Making cuts on the Web.com Tour but will need to find a heck of a lot of improvement for a return to this holy land.
ORTIZ, Carlos
Capable Mexican whose best performance this year came down at Riviera. Qualified nicely for this as he bids to remain the best golfer in the family, younger brother Alvaro making life difficult for him on that front. Could see him beating Ancer to top Mexican but bad start in Canada tempers enthusiasm somewhat.
PAN, Cheng-Tsun
In-and-out type who sees it through when he’s on his game – it’s two years since he finished between fifth and 10th, and this year his only top-30 finishes are a win at the Heritage and third place at Colonial. Tends to produce his best golf on shorter, accuracy-favouring courses and having been second down the coast at the Farmers before winning by the sea in April, this talented youngster could be a surprise package.
PARATORE, Renato
Lightning-fast Italian who has become far too reliant on his short-game lately. Won on the European Tour at the age of 20 and in breezy conditions, so has enough about him and it could be significant that his best form this year came by the coast in England. That said this Walton Heath qualifier is hard to fancy and remains some way short of fulfilling his potential.
PARZIALE, Matt (a)
Firefighter by day, who won the 2017 US Mid-Amateur and was joint-low amateur in this event last year. Qualified in New York, where he’s been a consistent feature on the amateur scene.
PAVON, Matthieu
Underachieving French player who hasn’t won away from the Alps Tour as of yet. Definitely has the ability, underlined by a debut T25 in last year’s US Open, and perhaps an impressive display at Walton Heath will trigger a big summer. Drives it well and might win something low-key in South Africa or Mauritius soon enough.
PEREIRA, Mito
Enjoying an excellent season on the Latinoamerica Tour where he’s been inside the top five in four of his last seven stroke play starts.
PIERCY, Scott
Runner-up in the 2016 US Open behind DJ and better since, consistently striking the ball really well and threatening another big performance. Also fifth in the 2013 US PGA so knows how to deliver on the biggest stages of all. Not sure this is his test though and missed cut in Canada came at the wrong time.
PIETERS, Thomas
Major record entitles him to respect but Bellerive, Augusta and Bethpage had one thing in common: they were long, soft and vulnerable to his power. Quite like how he fought back from a horror start to finish 23rd in the PGA Championship, but this is Pebble Beach and he’s odds-on to return to the clubhouse having given a club or two to the Pacific Ocean.
@CallawayGolfEU #TourTips with @Thomas_Pieters & @EuropeanTour pic.twitter.com/dl1HL4g5X1
— Golfgeardirect.co.uk (@Golfgeardirect) May 30, 2019
POPE, Andy
Battled back to qualify in New York and earn his fourth US Open start in five years. Clearly has this qualifying thing nailed but at 35 and as a player who struggled to make an impression earlier in his career, it’s unlikely he’ll make the weekend.
POULTER, Ian
Brash, ballsy, occasionally a berk and not one to dismiss here if back in the sort of form which saw him finish 12th in the Masters. MC-70 is worrying recent form but it’s only six rounds of golf and with a short-game to die for, the iron play a real strength in recent seasons and plenty of form by the coast, he’ll fancy his chances now that length off the tee isn’t such a decisive attribute.
PRUGH, Alex
Spokane powerhouse whose best PGA Tour form has been on the west coast, including when 10th here in 2015. Form figures are poor – he’s without a top-30 on his own this year – but scores haven’t been disastrous and it’s possible a return to his favoured area will help having come through qualifying.
PUTNAM, Andrew
Accurate type who flourished late in 2018, picking up a low-key PGA Tour win and playing really well in the WGC-HSBC Champions won by Xander Schauffele. Started 2019 in a similar vein, hitting the crossbar in Hawaii, and hailing from Washington won't mind conditions here. Back in form just in time, too.
RAHM, Jon
Ninth without doing much in the Masters before major progress was halted with a missed cut at Bethpage. Followed one with another at Colonial, but was caught out in some foul weather on Thursday and would be inclined to draw a line through that poor run and expect better. First PGA Tour win came in California and while Torrey Pines is more suitable, he’s been fifth and 26th in two starts here. More comfortable on poa annua than most and in 10 career starts in the Golden State, average finishing position is 13th. A must for the shortlist.
REAVIE, Chez
Missed cut at Colonial came as a bit of a surprise as this fine ball-striker arrived there in decent health. Should put it behind him having been second to shock winner Ted Potter in the 2017 AT&T. Hard to win with, though.
REBULA, Jovan (a)
Nephew of Ernie Els who won the Amateur Championship last year to earn three major exemptions. Missed the cut in the first two, but second-round 69 at the Memorial Tournament should help boost confidence and he’s a player of both pedigree and potential.
REED, Patrick
Popular Masters champion who, like many before him, has had to endure a barren spell since. Put up a solid enough defence at Augusta and started well at Quail Hollow, but the bottom line is his game has been in poor shape and he’s making changes in a bid to arrest the slide. Solid Pebble Beach record is the main positive but his ball-striking just isn't up to the task at the moment.
ROSE, Justin
So good that he’s managed to win another PGA Tour title despite this being a year of upheaval, first after switching to Honma clubs for god-knows-how-much before long-time caddie, friend and Brexiteer (we still wish him well), Mark Fulcher, was forced to step away from the game on health grounds. Impact of all this has been the absence of Rose's trademark consistency and we saw as much when he shot rounds of 75-63-71-71 for 13th at the Memorial. Never out of it, but needs to avoid another slow Thursday - and start dressing his age.
SABBATINI, Rory
When he’s not sitting at a cafe in Hviezdoslavovo námestie, eating strapacky washed down with a bottle of Zlaty Bazant, reading a copy of the Novy Cas, Slovakia’s Rory Sabbatini can be seen forging passports for professional golfers including Greek-South African Peter Karmis.
Two firsts on @PGATOUR today. A guy holed out 3 times for 🦅 on par 4’s & a guy from Slovakia made the cut. Congratulations Chez Reavie & Rory Sabbatini! #SonyOpen
— Luke Elvy (@Luke_Elvy) January 12, 2019
SAUNDERS, Sam
Came through his qualifier comfortably to earn a third US Open start, having missed the cut in 2011 and finished well for 50th in 2015. Granddad Arnold Palmer contended here in 1972 on his way to third place.
SCHAUFFELE, Xander
Nine majors, eight cuts made, four top-six finishes and twice a runner-up: already we’re talking about a brilliant pedigree from a golfer whose rookie season came as recently as 2017. US Open record reads T5-T6 and this is his first chance to play one in his home state. Drove the ball exceptionally well, as he so often does, when 14th at Muirfield Village and a contender if not found out by lack of experience at a course others have played much more in competition.
SCHEFFLER, Scottie
Youngster from Dallas who seems bound for the PGA Tour - indeed he's won already on the Web.com Tour this year. Qualified nicely and was leading amateur at Erin Hills, finishing 27th.
SCHNIEDERJANS, Ollie
One-time leading amateur who bagged a top-20 finish at the Open Championship four years ago, finishing an excellent 12th. Won on the Web.com Tour within a year of turning pro and has threatened on the PGA Tour, most painfully when runner-up in the Wyndham in 2017. Things have slowed since and didn’t last long with experienced caddie Damon Green. Qualified nicely and things do look to be improving, just not in time for this.
SCOTT, Adam
Shades off, flag in, contender again, and isn’t it lovely to see? Still wouldn’t trust him over a three-foot putt but the return of the (unanchored) broom handle has clearly helped him hold his own on the greens. Hasn’t been outside the top 20 in a major since this one last year and since then his long-game has looked as good as ever. Wouldn't worry too much about course form (52-MC-MC-MC) although it is clearly not a positive.
☔️ is taking away golf today. So here’s Adam Scott’s swing in slow motion. 🔁 pic.twitter.com/KeH5NoBXSw
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 25, 2019
SHIEH, Hayden
Defied personal concerns around the state of his game to qualify for his first US Open. Says he’s played Pebble Beach once before but has been struggling on the Canadian Tour.
SIMPSON, Webb
Winner of the 2012 US Open down in San Francisco and remains elite when faced with shorter courses, wherever they are. Showed as much with last year’s runaway Sawgrass success and went on to be one of the few standout performers on a disappointing US Ryder Cup side. Fifth at the Masters was an outstanding effort which came courtesy of a third-round 64, and as for Pebble Beach form he shot 65 around this course (bogeying the par-five closing hole) in 2013. Currently on a run of nine top-40 finishes in majors, the last six of which have been top-30s, and should go well.
SLATTERY, Lee
Popular advocate of wet-look hair gel, and why not when you’ve a mane like that? Housewives’/househusbands’ favourite who has made three cuts in four major appearances without threatening the leaders. You won’t find anyone with a bad word to say about him.
SMITH, Cameron
Aussie pup who looks a little like he’s in a permanent audition for a remake of Stand By Me. Finishes of 11th here, sixth at Riviera and ninth at Torrey Pines suggest he’s at ease on the west coast but all early-season promise has disappeared and he’s without a top-50 finish since Mexico in February. Hard to trust right now despite 2015 top-five at Chambers Bay and search for solo breakthrough on the PGA Tour goes on.
SNEDEKER, Brandt
Bonafide poa annua specialist who won the AT&T Pebble Beach in both 2013 and 2015 and has twice triumphed at Torrey Pines, too. That’s a formidable California CV for the man from Tennessee and Augusta aside, it’s been a really encouraging spring. Upturn in form which started with fifth at the PLAYERS coincides with a return to his old coach, Todd Anderson, and with a top-10 here from the 2010 US Open also in his locker the timing is perfect. Really fancy prices snapped up - he was 175/1 in a place after the PGA - but fancy enough prices remain.
SORDET, Clement
Classy-looking Frenchman with excellent hair who will at some stage burst through and become a consistent force in Europe. Presumably, his nickname is Lemon Sorbet.
SPIETH, Jordan
Back on track lately, stringing together three top-10 finishes in as many starts and in no small part thanks to a glut of 25-foot putts looking like they can’t miss, which was a big part of his 2015-2017 success. Won the AT&T Pro-Am here by four shots in 2017 and while he will still maintain these poa annua greens aren’t to his liking, clearly they’ve not always been enough to stop him. Concerns do remain over approach play but he's quickly found confidence off the tee and the pieces are falling into place. Firmly back on the radar now and remember, he’s threatened to win majors even when out of sorts.
.@JordanSpieth's putting: 🔥🔥
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 25, 2019
He rolls in another 20-footer for a second-straight birdie. 🐦#LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/qrYrKhG0hm
STANLEY, Kyle
Preeminent ball-striker at his best, the only glimpse of which we’ve seen this year coming courtesy of a top-10 finish at Sawgrass. Just the odd flourish since and having missed the cut on the number at Muirfield Village, he withdrew from the Canadian Open early in the week. Questions to answer.
STENSON, Henrik
Fabulous triumph in the 2016 Open Championship, the one he’d always looked most likely to win. US Open record is less impressive and best efforts have all been on the east coast, most notably under links-resembling conditions at Pinehurst at Shinnecock. Played well here in the 2010 US Open, though, and his iron play remains as crisp as ever. Concern would be what happens on those rare occasions he misses a green as well as his insistence on laying back off the tee - although he might get away with that here.
STRAKA, Sepp
Austrian qualifier who is perhaps more suited to coming through a 36-hole sprint than he is surviving a 72-hole grind. Sporadic form on the Web.com Tour last year but enough good to graduate; however, he’s done very little since, even if his best effort came with a top-15 finish in California in the Farmers. Hard to be positive about for all his streaky scoring capabilities.
STUARD, Brian
Old-fashioned type who has been busy this year, picking up top-10 finishes pretty much exactly where you’d expect him to. Struggles on the west coast and despite being among the most accurate drivers of the ball around, chances are it won’t be enough.
SULLIVAN, Ryan
Missed the cut in his US Open debut six years ago, failing to break 80 in either round, and last seen missing the cut by a distance on the Web.com Tour in April.
TARREN, Callum
Excelled in China throughout 2018 and while he hasn’t quite made the impression he would’ve liked at Web.com Tour level just yet, a couple of top-20 finishes this year demonstrate his promise. Made 15 birdies and two eagles in topping his sectional and could yet become the finest thing to emerge from Darlington since Vic Reeves.
TAYLOR, Nick
Collected plenty of cheques without really threatening lately and looks to be a player who will have to fight hard to keep his PGA Tour status most years. Did exactly that when eighth at the Wyndham in 2018 and has enough about him to keep his head above water.
THOMAS, Justin
Intelligent and likeable winner of the 2017 PGA Championship, which makes his decision to risk injury at the Honda Classic when struggling all the more bizarre. The wrist problem incurred there has left him lagging behind this season, although he still struck the ball well enough to contend at Augusta – in fact, Thomas says he ought to have won. Took time off to heal thereafter and returned at the Memorial, where signs were encouraging until a Friday back-nine 44 which included three bogeys, two doubles and a triple. Added Canada to schedule as a result but it surely won’t be enough and he’s one to swerve.
THORBJORNSEN, Michael (a)
Second child of Thorbjorn Olesen who, at three years of age, would be the youngest winner of the US Open in the post-War era. Probably even before that.
TIBBITS, Spencer (a)
Qualified in second at Walla Walla, which I can only assume is where Offspring were singing about in their song ‘Walla Walla’, from the 1998 album Americana.
TODD, Brendon
Co-medallist at the Dallas sectional I’ve now mentioned at least four times and that’s part of a wider return to something like decent form this spring. Having slipped from the fringes of the world’s top 50 in 2014 to as low as 2043rd, something needed to change and it has, as he’s back on a generally upward curve. Not sure shooting 78-83 will do wonders for his confidence, however.
TOMS, David
Fairway-finding 52-year-old who won a demanding US Senior Open last year. Played nicely enough at Colonial but will do well to make the weekend back in deeper waters.
VAN ROOYEN, Erik
Talented Springbok who should be winning before too long on the European Tour. Bounced back from a missed cut in Denmark to come through the toughest stateside qualifier and having been eighth in the PGA Championship, he’s bursting with confidence. Inside the world’s top 100 now and next thing is to flush his way to silverware. Probably won't happen here but on the radar for the summer months.
VEGAS, Jhonattan
Two-time major champion if you count the Canadian Open. A little in and out lately but wasn’t a surprise to see this class act emerge through Monday’s sectionals and his high ball-flight could help if the wind stays away. Not really his course, though, and would’ve preferred Torrey Pines.
WALKER, Jimmy
Better lately, ranking third for greens hit when 23rd in the PGA before three good rounds earned him a top-20 finish at Colonial. Needs to keep building on that but has won at Pebble in the AT&T, where he’s also been third, eighth and twice ninth, and has long been at ease on the west coast. Easy to forget he’s a major champion, too.
WALLACE, Matt
Terrier of a golfer, making winning appear easier than it is first at minor-tour level and then across the length and breadth of the European Tour. I wonder a little whether playing up to this image – whether by design or by simply being himself – makes life tougher going forward; that is to say everyone thinks he’s going to win when he has a chance to win and when he doesn’t it feels like more of a failure than it would for virtually anyone else. Thinking out loud at this point. Not many more to go. Plenty short enough at the above odds.
Matt Wallace spent a whole day doing promotional work.
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) May 13, 2019
But it was all a prank... 🙈#TheFakeMediaDay pic.twitter.com/SycUorgLzS
WALTERS, Justin
South African who is based in England yet hasn’t quite managed to complete the transition to the European Tour, despite some promise. Now 38, he makes his US Open debut having found form in Belgium, just in time for the Walton Heath qualifier.
WATSON, Bubba
Wins the tournaments he likes – Travelers, Genesis Open, even the Masters – and throws his toys out of the pram in tournaments he hates – basically any other major. That’s certainly been true in the US Open where his form this decade reads 63-MC-32-MC-MC-51-MC-MC, a frankly diabolical return for one of his ability. Did finish fifth at Oakmont in 2007 but Pebble Beach wouldn’t look to be his thing at all. Best days behind him but still likely to win something soon enough. Just not this.
WEIR, Mike
Twice a runner-up in the AT&T Pro-Am and says Pebble Beach is his favourite course in the world. Five years since he threatened to win a PGA Tour event, however, and it’s been a tale of woe since. Likely that his run of nine straight cuts made in the US Open (latest was in 2013) comes to an abrupt end.
WIESBERGER, Bernd
Greens-pounding Austrian who gets in as an alternate having lost a play-off for the final qualifying spot at Walton Heath, where he finished with a birdie blitz to keep hopes alive. Recently returned to winning ways after a difficult time of things with injuries and will look now to move back inside the world's top 50. This comes too soon but did play in the final group of the 2014 US PGA.
WILLETT, Danny
Shock Masters winner of 2016 who emerged from a subsequent spell in the doldrums to win the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai last November. Shots he produced under the gun there suggested he was back to his best and while results since say otherwise, he has been chipping away on the PGA Tour. Iron play has been good enough to take an overall positive view without quite believing he’s about to contend for major number two.
WISE, Aaron
Quality youngster who strikes the ball really well and has been on a steep upward curve ever since turning professional. Progress halted somewhat of late by a troublesome putter but the long-game remains exceptional and when things click a second PGA Tour title is on the way. In time, he’ll contend for these too but despite being 15th in the AT&T last year the combination of a firm, fast and short course, plus that putting issue, is enough to look elsewhere.
WOODLAND, Gary
Three top-10 finishes this year including the PGA Championship, where Bethpage suited just as Bellerive had in 2018. Iron play there was outstanding but his only glimmer of promise at Pebble Beach comes courtesy of one hot round two years ago. Anyone who can whizz round here in 65 blows deserves respect and I’ve long been of the view he can win a massive title, yet it would be a little surprising were it this one.
WOODS, Tiger
Things that are demonstrably not epic: the latest Taylor Swift song; your hair or your shoes; a video in which a cat is chased by a rat; the Callaway Epic driver. Things that are or have been absolutely, fundamentally epic: Lawrence of Arabia; ours or anyone else’s galaxy; the travel plans of Phileas Fog; the career of Tiger Woods. Epic. In old tongue, grand in scale and long-lasting; in newspeak, f***ing mega, mate. Augusta was the latter, major number 15 hitting that sweet spot between the need for immediate gratification (hi, twitter!) and the growing belief that we are all as doomed as Molinari’s approach to the 12th hole on that now famous Sunday. Loads of things about sport are great but the raising from the dead of someone who once appeared immortal is about as good as it gets. Tiger Woods! He’s back, all right, and the search for 16 now heads to Pebble Beach, where he won by 15 at the turn of the century. These are the days we’ll remember. Until we die.
WU, Brandon (a)
New Yorker who shone as a college golfer for Stanford, including when they took the NCAA Championship at the end of last month. Clearly very capable and significant that both he and Collin Morikawa qualified at Brookside in Ohio along with a clutch of proven tour players, including a major winner and a former world number one. Another Palmer Cup player, he graduates on Sunday of the US Open and aims to do so only after playing the fourth round.
YOUNG, Cameron (a)
Another amateur qualifier, one who picked up three titles in four weeks for Wake Forest earlier this year. Plans to remain that way all summer to hopefully make the Walker Cup side, and admits that this is a totally different ball game to a sectional qualifier packed with similarly inexperienced players.
YU, Chun An (a)
Classy amateur from Arizona State who qualified as medallist for the second year running in California. Playing Palmer Cup golf before heading to Pebble Beach where poa annua greens are new to him.
