U.S. Open 2022 player-by-player guide: Breakdown and analysis of every golfer in the Brookline field

Steve Palmer

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Been handicapping golf since 2001 and to date have had only two losing years. One of the leading voices of golf betting in the UK. For Steve Palmer media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.

Abraham Ancer

The accurate Mexican suffered back problems before the Masters and missed the cut at Augusta, but 9th place in the PGA suggested a return to health. His US Open form is a lackluster 49-56-MC.

Adri Arnaus

A Spaniard who won his first DP World Tour title in May. The former Texas college star has made the cut in both of his previous majors in the U.S., finishing 58th and 30th.

Erik Barnes

A Korn Ferry Tour player from Michigan who is having a decent campaign. The 34-year-old qualifier is making his major debut.

Andrew Beckler

This easy-going Kansas kid came through qualifying but has no Tour experience.

Sam Bennett

Fifth in the world amateur rankings, Bennett came through 36-hole qualifier to secure his US Open debut. A rising star.

Daniel Berger

The 4-time PGA Tour champion (3 of the wins came on par-70 courses) will be a popular pick due to his solid US Open record of 28-37-MC-6-49-34-7, but the flaws in his swing can be exposed under pressure.

Wil Besseling

A Dutchman making his major debut. A missed cut seems likely due to his lack of experience of playing in the United States.

Fred Biondi

This Florida-based Brazilian has never bettered 48th place in the world amateur rankings. A qualifier likely heading for a missed cut.

Richard Bland

A veteran who won his maiden DP World Tour title in the British Masters last year. He co-led the US Open last year at halfway before fading to 50th place. The Englishman, who joined the LIV Golf circuit last week, is easy to ignore.

Jonas Blixt

Short-game talent has earned this Swede some PGA Tour success — 2 wins as an individual and another in the Zurich Classic pairs event – but a poor swing has derailed his career. He was T2 in the 2014 Masters, but is now outside the world’s top 1,000.

Keegan Bradley

A consistent ball-striker who won the 2011 US PGA and was 4th in the 2014 U.S. Open. He lost a duel with Max Homa for the Wells Fargo title a month ago. He has missed his last 3 U.S. Open cuts, but is playing well enough to make the weekend this time.

Joseph Bramlett

A 34-year-old Californian who has missed the cut in both his previous U.S. Open starts. A PGA Tour maiden but has had a victory on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Hayden Buckley

Another Korn Ferry Tour winner who missed the cut on his U.S. Open debut last year. He started his PGA Tour rookie season well, but his form has dipped and a missed cut is likely.

Sam Burns

This super-talented Louisianian has won 4 PGA Tour titles since May 2021, a run which has fired him into the top 10 of the world rankings. Eight majors appearances have brought a best finish of 20th, but he still looks a major winner of he future. A share of 4th place in Canada last week was a positive and he has a great chance this week.

Brady Calkins

A qualifier who missed the cut on his first U.S. Open appearance.

Patrick Cantlay

The former world #1 amateur seemed destined to win majors, but apart from a brief Sunday appearance on the Masters leaderboard in 2019 and 3rd place in the same year’s PGA, the Californian has failed to make an impact in the biggest events on the calendar. He has missed the cut in 3 of his last 6 majors, but he has never missed the cut in this event in 6 starts. He was 3rd at Memorial last time out and is worth considering.

Kevin Chappell

Victory in the 2017 Texas Open took the Californian up to 23rd in the world rankings, but back problems have seen him fall out of the top 500. Chappell has had 4 major top 10s, including 3rd on his U.S. Open debut, but no longer looks a threat.

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Stewart Cink

The 2009 British Open champion is still capable of contending, highlighted by his Heritage triumph last year. He has not had a top 10 in this event since 2001, though.

Wyndham Clark

A powerhouse who putts well too. He tied for 9th in the strokeplay element of the 2013 US Amateur Championship at Brookline, but lost in the first round of the matchplay. He is a tour maiden with a poor Majors record, but his 7th place in Canada on Sunday was a confidence boost.

Corey Conners

A sweet-swinging Canadian who has matured into a major contender at 30. He has Masters form of 10-8-6 but has never made a US Open cut. This greens-in-regulation machine made the semifinals of the 2013 US Amateur at Brookline. He is enjoying a solid season, and closed with a 62 for 6th in the Canadian Open on Sunday. Worth considering for a high-finish wager.

Sean Crocker

A qualifier who typically wastes promising approach play with poor putting. This is his U.S. Open debut.

MJ Daffue

This South African has been going well on the Korn Ferry Tour and will gain promotion to the PGA Tour for next season. He came through a qualifier in Springfield and could be a dangerous debutant.

Joel Dahmen

Seeking to make his first US Open cut at the 3rd attempt. He has missed the cut in half of his 8 majors.

Bryson DeChambeau

Injuries have ruined 2022 for the 2020 U.S. Open champion, who is yet to make a cut this year. He tied for 6th in the strokeplay element of the 2013 US Amateur at Brookline, but won only 1 matchplay game before being eliminated.

Adrien Dumont de Chassart

A tall Belgian amateur who made a (long) name for himself in college golf for Illinois. He is 27th in the world amateur rankings and making his U.S. Open debut.

Nicholas Dunlap

The U.S. junior amateur champion faces a steep learning curve on his U.S. Open debut.

Harris English

Hip surgery sidelined the Georgian until the Memorial the week before last and he missed the cut by 8 shots. He has finished 4th and 3rd in this event, though.

Tony Finau

The 2-time PGA Tour champion has long-game class and short-game issues, but last week’s putting performance in Canada was solid. Majors seem to bring out the best in him, highlighted by 10 top-10 finishes in 24 starts. He looks one for the shortlist after taking 2nd place in the Mexico Open last month, 4th at Colonial and 2nd in Canada.

Matthew Fitzpatrick

The Englishman won the 2013 US Amateur at Brookline after finishing tied for 3rd in the strokeplay section of the event. His 2022 campaign features 7 top-10s but he has never won a PGA Tour event and faded in round 4 when in contention for the PGA title.

Tommy Fleetwood

Fleetwood’s form and confidence appear to be slowly returning after he looked in danger of losing his place in the world’s top 50. A tie for 14th in the Masters in April was his best effort at Augusta, followed by 5th in the PGA. He was 4th in the 2017 U.S. Open and 2nd in 2018. A lively outside bet.

Ryan Fox

The New Zealander has blown 2 golden chances on the DP World Tour in the last month, finishing 2nd in the Soudal Open and the Dutch Open. The 2-time DP World Tour winner has yet to make the top 15 in 12 majors.

Jim Furyk

Now 52, the Pennsylvanian has made the cut in his last 6 U.S. Opens. He played in the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline, losing 2 pairs matches before thrashing Sergio Garcia in a crucial late singles contest.

Luke Gannon

This Wichita man came through San Francisco qualifier. All 5 of his appearances on main tours (PGA, Canadian, Korn Ferry) have resulted in missed cuts.

Sergio Garcia

Garcia made his Ryder Cup debut at Brookline in 1999, scoring 3.5 points from 5 matches, and losing in the singles against Jim Furyk. He defected to LIV Golf last week and has resigned his PGA Tour membership. The 2017 Masters champion has had 5 U.S. Open top-10 finishes.

Ryan Gerard

Gerard came through the Florida qualifier but has not got above 82nd in the world amateur rankings. This is his first event as a pro.

Talor Gooch

The Oklahoma-born 30-year-old joined the LIV Golf circuit last week. He missed the cut in the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline and finished 66th in his only U.S. Open.

Chris Gotterup

The New Jersey-born youngster made a name for himself at Oklahoma State. He tied for 7th on his PGA Tour debut in the Puerto Rico Open in March and is making his major debut this week. He missed the cut in the Canadian Open.

Branden Grace

Another LIV Golf signing who is difficult to fancy after last week’s controversial first event. They have had a long journey from London and may not feel welcome after turning their backs on the PGA Tour. The South African has slipped outside the world’s top 100.

Austin Greaser

The Ohio-born 21-year-old has never bettered 19th in the world amateur rankings but he was last year’s US Amateur runner-up. He missed the cut by 3 shots in the Masters.

Keith Greene

Tears filled the 29-year-old Floridian’s eyes after he came through a qualifier but he is unlikely to make the cut.

Lanto Griffin

Griffin has won twice on the Korn Ferry Tour and once on the PGA Tour. His 9 major starts have not yielded a top-10 finish. He could make the cut without contending for the title.

Adam Hadwin

A Canadian with 2 Presidents Cup caps. A 2-time Korn Ferry Tour champ who won his only PGA Tour title in 2017. He’s in decent form this year, but has a poor majors record, with no top-20s in 19 starts.

Stewart Hagestad

An experienced amateur playing in his 6th major. He missed the cut in the 2013 US Amateur at Brookline. His only cut made in a major came in the 2017 Masters (T36).

Harry Hall

Powerful Englishman who won his second Korn Ferry Tour title last month. This is his major debut. He’s playing well, but making the cut would be an achievement.

Brian Harman

Diminutive left-handed Georgia man tied for second in the 2017 US Open. Masters form of MC-44-12. Tied fifth in the Valspar Championship in his last strokeplay event. Two-time Tour champion with top-20 claims.

Nick Hardy

A talented 26-year-old who lost a playoff to Harry Hall on the Korn Ferry Tour last month. His PGA Tour rookie campaign has been going badly. This is his 4th US Open start (52-MC-MC).

Brian Harman

A diminutive left-hander who finished runner-up in the 2017 U.S. Open. He has missed the cut in 11 of his 24 majors. Recent form suggests he could make the weekend this time.

Tyrrell Hatton

An Englishman who can quickly lose his head if things go wrong. He was 5th in the world rankings after winning the Abu Dhabi Championship in January 2021, but no further titles have followed and he has dropped outside the top 20. He has 3 missed cuts from 5 U.S. Open starts and missed the cut by 7 shots in Canada last week.

Russell Henley

Winless since 2017 and has grown increasingly poor under pressure. An accurate player who set the pace for a long way in last year’s U.S. Open, but 30 majors have yielded no top-10 finishes.

Lucas Herbert

An assured Australian youngster with 2 DP World Tour titles and 1 PGA Tour win. A share of 13th in the PGA showed he is getting used to top-level competition. Improving and dangerous, especially if any wind arrives, as he is great in breezy conditions.

Bo Hoag

A qualifier from Ohio who has made 2 of his last 13 PGA Tour cuts, with a best finish of 54th. He has 1 Korn Ferry Tour win but missed the cut on his U.S. Open debut last year.

Tom Hoge

Accurate approaches have earned the 33-year-old a place in the world’s top 50. His first PGA Tour win came at Pebble Beach in February and he was T9 in the PGA for his best major finish.

Max Homa

A 4-time PGA Tour champion who has matured into an effective pro who does not make many mistakes. He missed the cut by 5 shots in the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline. A tie for 13th in the PGA was by far his best major finish and this is his 4th attempt to make the cut in this event.

Billy Horschel

The former FedEx Cup champion has failed to make an impact in Majors, aside from 4th place in the 2013 US Open. Wins in the WGC Match Play, the BMW PGA Championship and the Memorial last time out suggest he’s a contender at Brookline. Expect a strong effort from an accurate driver who has made short-game improvements this year.

Sam Horsfield

Victory in the Soudal Open a month ago was his third DP World Tour title. The 25-year-old Florida-based Englishman is yet to make an impact over here, though, and joining LIV Golf last week will do little to help that. His 3 previous U.S. Open starts resulted in missed cuts.

Rikuya Hoshino

A 5-time champion in Japan, he has U.S. Open form of MC-26. He has been a regular contender in Japan this year, but this is a much tougher test.

Beau Hossler

The 27-year-old qualified for the U.S. Open aged 16 and finished 29th in the event aged 17. He missed the cut in the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline and is yet to win on either the PGA Tour or Korn Ferry.

Viktor Hovland

A ball-striking machine who has won 3 times on the PGA Tour and twice on the DP World Tour. Any improvement in his sub-standard chipping would make the Norwegian a potential world #1. A huge talent who must be respected and he had US Open form of 12-13 before an eye injury forced an early withdrawal last year. Two months of mediocre golf since the Players Championship may have dented his confidence.

CREDIT – Jasen Vinlove (USA Today)

Mackenzie Hughes

A Canadian grinder with a top-class short game. A tie for 15th in last year’s U.S. Open came after he made the cut for the first time at the 4th attempt. Capable of a top-20 finish with some smart scrambling.

Sungjae Im

The Korean missed the PGA due to Covid, but bounced back with 15th at Colonial and 10th at Memorial. A solid all-rounder was tied for 2nd in the 2020 Masters and is a 2-time PGA Tour champion.

Daijiro Izumida

Came through the Japan qualifier but a missed cut is likely.

Sean Jacklin

Tony Jacklin’s son came through a Florida qualifier. He has never made a cut on the Korn Ferry Tour or PGA Tour and is outside the world’s top 1,700.

Dustin Johnson

The 2-time Major champion and former world #1 quit the PGA Tour last week and joined LIV Golf. The 2016 U.S. Open provided his major breakthrough, 1 of his 6 top-8 finishes in the tournament. His recent form has been patchy, including missed cuts in the Heritage and PGA. He has missed the cut in 3 of his last 6 majors. The Brookline galleries may give him a hard time as he was a key figure in the LIV breakaway.

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Chan Kim

An underrated American who ended last year ranked 62nd in the world, thanks to another strong campaign on the Japan Tour. The 32-year-old has won 7 times in Japan, but his form is sporadic this year and he has a poor U.S. Open record with 4 missed cuts.

Si Woo Kim

Korean who had to putt with a 3-wood in the Masters after breaking his putter. The 3-time PGA Tour champion is in steady form, but has no top-10s in 21 Majors and is difficult to trust.

Joohyung Kim

A rising star with 2 Asian Tour titles and 2 Korean Tour victories. He has talent, but is inexperienced and making his U.S. Open debut.

Kevin Kisner

A 4-time PGA Tour champion who is accurate and putts well. Has no top-10s in 8 U.S. Opens, though, and is in dire form since finishing 2nd in the WGC-Match Play in March.

Kurt Kitayama

A Californian slugger with an ugly swing, who has won twice on the DP World Tour but failed to make a serious impact. This year has brought his 2 best PGA Tour efforts — 2nd in the Mexico Open and 3rd in the Honda Classic but he missed the cut in his only previous U.S. Open.

Satoshi Kodaira

A Japanese 32-year-old who took advantage of a Si Woo Kim meltdown to win the 2018 Heritage, his only PGA Tour victory. Has no top-20s in 10 majors and is outside the world’s top 300.

Brooks Koepka

A 2-time US Open champion seeking his 5th Major triumph. His recent form is unconvincing, with a missed cut in the Masters followed by a late withdrawal from the AT&T Byron Nelson and 55th in the PGA.

Jason Kokrak

An Ohio-based slugger who appears set to join LIV Golf. A 3-time PGA Tour champion, but has no top-10s in 20 majors and none anywhere this year.

Jinichiro Kozuma

This Japanese 27-year-old has won twice in his homeland. Has made no impact overseas, though, and his PGA missed cut should be followed by another in Brookline.

Kyoung-Hoon Lee

The Korean 30-year-old has twice won the AT&T Byron Nelson, his only PGA Tour victories. His 6 major starts have yielded 5 missed cuts, including 3 in the U.S. Open.

Danny Lee

A mercurial talent who has failed to turn a bright start to his career into anything significant. Has won once on the PGA Tour and once on the Korn Ferry, but has no top-10s in 12 majors and has been battling to retain his place in the world’s top 300. A share of 10th in Canada was encouraging.

Min Woo Lee

A sweet-swinging Australian with no technical weakness. He set a new front-9 record in his final round at Augusta in April, finishing 14th in the Masters in his debut. This is his U.S. Open debut. Talented but inexperienced.

Marc Leishman

A 5-time PGA Tour champion who has challenged in the Masters and the British Open, but has badly struggled in the U.S. Open, with 4 missed cuts from 10 starts, never bettering 18th.

David Lingmerth

An alternate who was handed a spot in the field at the weekend. The Swede has been in decline since winning the Memorial in 2015. He has a solid U.S. Open record (17-12-21), but is outside the world’s top 500.

Luke List

List’s first PGA Tour title came with a playoff victory over Will Zalatoris at Torrey Pines in January, but he has no top-20 finishes since and 5 missed cuts in 5 U.S. Opens.

Ben Lorenz

An amateur who has never bettered 443rd in the world amateur rankings. More than 200 amateurs teed up in Final Qualifying and Oklahoma State’s Lorenz sneaked through.

Shane Lowry

The Irishman has become relentlessly consistent this year, contending for numerous titles. He is yet to win one, but few have played better in the last 6 months than the 2019 British Open champion. He tied for 2nd in the 2016 U.S. Open, was 4th in last year’s PGA and 3rd in the Masters. His claims are difficult to ignore.

Caleb Manuel

A 20-year-old qualifier who is 800th in the world amateur rankings.

Richard Mansell

A strong ball-striker teeing up in first American major. Has DP World Tour form figures of 30-26-8-23-9-3 and is unlikely to disgrace himself.

Hideki Matsuyama

Masters glory in 2021 took a huge weight off the shoulders of Japan’s favourite son. Further Major successes seem likely. His US Open record is solid, highlighted by 10th place in his debut in 2013 and 2nd in 2017. Getting healthy has been an issue for a few months, though, and being disqualified from the Memorial for a non-conforming 3-wood) was not ideal. Too inconsistent recently to be trusted.

Brandon Matthews

Won his first Korn Ferry Tour title in February and 15th in the BMW Charity Pro-Am on Sunday secured him a PGA Tour card for next season. He lost in the quarterfinals of the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline and could go well again at huge odds.

Denny McCarthy

A great putter wizard who is getting better from tee to green and 5th at Memorial provided further encouragement. Has missed only 1 cut this year and made the cut in 4 of his 5 majors. He missed the cut by 2 shots in 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline.

Matt McCarty

A qualifier who has been struggling on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Rory McIlroy

A 4-time Major champ, but the last one came in 2014. He has 15 Major top-10s since his last win, including 2nd in the 2018 British Open and 2nd in the 2022 Masters. The 33-year-old led the PGA after round 1, but finished 8th. He has finished in the top 10 in the last 3 U.S. Opens and seems a likely contender again, fresh from a morale-boosting Canadian Open win which highlighted his improved wedge-play.

Troy Merritt

Has no top-40 finishes in 11 majors but is a 2-time PGA Tour champion who could make the weekend.

Phil Mickelson

Legendary left-hander with tarnished reputation after his switch to LIV Golf. This is the title he wants above all others as he’s a 6-time runner-up, but his 52nd birthday is this week. He won 2 matches from 4 starts in the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline. It would be a shock if he ever adds to his 6 major wins.

Guido Migliozzi

Italian who was tied 4th in an incredible U.S. Open debut last year, but is probably playing too poorly this season to make the cut.

Maxwell Moldovan

An Ohio State Buckeye who has got to 33rd in the world amateur rankings. A young qualifier with precious little chance of weekend employment.

Francesco Molinari

One of the best golfers in the world in 2018, when he won the BMW PGA, the Quicken Loans National and the British Open, but losing a duel to Tiger Woods for the 2019 Masters started a decline. Injury issues and a move from London to California have contributed. He’s good enough to make cut.

Taylor Montgomery

A Las Vegan who has been performing well on the Korn Ferry Tour over the last 3 years, securing promotion to the PGA Tour last month. He tied for 57th in his Major debut in last year’s U.S. Open and has qualified for a return. The 27-year-old powerhouse tied for 11th in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in January in only his 3rd PGA Tour start. Could make an impact this week at huge odds.

Jediah Morgan

An Australian 22-year-old who ran away with the Australian PGA in January, winning by 11 shots and securing a Brookline berth in the process. Yet to achieve much since and has joined LIV Golf.

Collin Morikawa

Arguably the best iron-player on the planet, but yet to reach top spot in the world rankings, and his form has dipped since the Masters (26-55-40-MC). A 5-time PGA Tour champion, including 2 Majors, and was 4th in last year’s U.S. Open. A serious title threat despite 2 mediocre months.

William Mouw

Amateur qualifier who is unlikely to make the cut.

Jesse Mueller

A club pro who has qualified for a 3rd major start. Tied for 51st in the 2012 U.S. Open and missed the cut by 6 shots in this year’s PGA.

Sebastian Munoz

A Colombian 29-year-old with 1 low-grade PGA Tour title. His 10 majors have yielded 1 top-20 and 6 missed cuts. A great putter, but probably not a major winner.

Grayson Murray

Missed the cut in the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline. A 28-year-old with 1 PGA Tour title. He missed the cut in his only previous U.S. Open and is outside the world’s top 500.

Kevin Na

Slow-playing coach 38-year-old who joined LIV Golf last week. A 5-time PGA Tour champion, but has missed his last 3 U.S. Open cuts and should be outclassed again. Has 2 top-10s in 43 Majors.

Chris Naegal

A 39-year-old who was close to quitting pro golf before qualifying for the 2018 US Open and finishing 56th. He will probably miss cut this time.

Keita Nakajima

Currently ranked the best amateur in the world, the Japanese ace has already won on his home tour and finished 41st in the Sony Open on the PGA Tour in January. A star in the making who missed the cut by 3 shots in the Masters.

Matthew NeSmith

An accurate 28-year-old Carolinian, who missed the cut by 3 shots in the 2013 US Amateur at Brookline. He mssed the cut in his only previous Major, the 2015 US Open, but solid recent form suggests he could battle through this time.

Joaquin Niemann

A 23-year-old with 13 Major appearances, showing how good he was from an early age. He has made the cut in his last 7 Majors and the 2-time PGA Tour champion is threatening big things. Has to be on the shortlist at Brookline and has every chance of a Major breakthrough.

Alex Noren

Swede who made a trip home last week to headline the Scandinavian Mixed. The pre-tournament favourite never threatened. A PGA Tour maiden who probably lacks the ball-striking solidity for this test. Has 5 missed cuts in 8 U.S. Open starts.

Shaun Norris

South African who turned his back on the DP World Tour after winning the Steyn City Championship in March. He returned to the Japan Tour, then joined LIV Golf last week. A 40-year-old who has missed 5 cuts in 8 majors, with a best finish of 61st.

Andrew Novak

A PGA Tour rookie battling to keep his card. Making the cut would be an achievement in his major debut.

Thorbjorn Olesen

Olesen conjured up an eagle-birdie finish to win the British Masters in spectacular fashion a month ago. The 6-time DP World Tour champ has missed the cut in all 3 of his U.S. Opens and erratic driving will probably extend that run.

Louis Oosthuizen

An LIV Golf recruit who may actually have had reasons other than money for his switch. The South African has been troubled by injuries and likes to spend as much time as possible at home, so the lighter schedule suits him. The 2010 Open champion has finished 2nd in 6 majors since lifting the Claret Jug, but appears to be winding down his career.

Yannick Paul

German slugger who tied for 2nd in the Soudal Open a month ago and has established himself on the DP World Tour. He should be found out in his Major debut.

Mito Pereira

A sliced drive at the 72nd hole of the PGA meant disaster for the Chilean as his ball found water and a double-bogey meant he went from 1 shot ahead to 1 behind. That 3rd-place finish came after he had made the cut in a a major for the first time. He’s a 3-time winner on the Korn Ferry Tour but a PGA Tour maiden and missed the cut in his only previous U.S. Open. He has finished in the top 30 in his last 7 events.

Victor Perez

Perez got his career back on track by winning the Dutch Open last month, holing some incredible late putts. He tied for 3rd in the European Open last time out and finished 4th in the WGC-Match Play last year, but has missed his last 5 major cuts.

Thomas Pieters

A 6-time DP World Tour champion who won a Rolex Series event in January. The former Ryder Cup star finished 4th in his Masters debut, but has form of MC-MC-71 in his last three majors.

James Piot

Last year’s US amateur champion turned professional last month and joined LIV Golf last week. He missed the cut in the Masters in his Major debut. He has played in 5 PGA Tour events and missed the cut each time.

Seamus Power

An Irishman in the form of his life. He was outside the top 300 a year ago, but has now made the top 50, having won the Barbasol Championship amid a succession of top-20s. He was tied 9th in the PGA after 27th in the Masters in his major debut. Another top-20 seems feasible.

Andrew Putnam

Two Korn Ferry Tour titles preceded a 2018 Barracuda Championship success for the 33-year-old Washington man, a tidy operator who typically putts well. Has a best of 32nd in 8 major starts and is out of form.

Fran Quinn

A 57-year-old qualifier who lives 40 minutes from The Country Club at Brookline. Was2nd in the 1987 Massachusetts State Amateur at Brookline and this is his 5th U.S. Open.

Jon Rahm

The defending champion after turning into Superman down the stretch at Torrey Pines a year ago. This season, his ball-striking has been strong, but his short game has been poor. Victory in the Mexico Open last month provided a boost and he was 10th at Memorial. A clear contender.

Patrick Reed

The former ‘Captain America’ who was ignored by Steve Stricker for the last Ryder Cup, and is reportedly set to join LIV Golf. The 2018 Masters champion has struggled to find top gear this year, so solid U.S. Open form of 13-4-32-13-19 in the last 5 years is not enough to make him of interest.

Charles Reiter

An amateur making his major debut. Never better than 213th in world amateur rankings. A surprise qualifier who is turning pro later this year.

Davis Riley

A rising star who has established himself on the PGA Tour and is threatening a breakthrough. Has 3 top-5s in his last 8 starts and was tied 13th in the PGA. Has missed the cut in both his U.S. Opens. A 2-time Korn Ferry Tour champion, but missed the cut by 6 shots in the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline, so may not be fond of the course.

Patrick Rodgers

Tied 50th in the strokeplay element of the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline, then won 2 matches before being eliminated. A superstar amateur who has failed to make the expected impact as a pro, remaining winless on the PGA Tour. Has a solid U.S. Open record (46-41-31) and was tied 18th in Canada last week, so could threaten the top 20.

Justin Rose

The former world #1 and 2013 US Open champion has relocated back to England at 41. He was tied for 3rd in the 2019 U.S. Open, but has missed the last 2 U.S. Open cuts. Much more inconsistent these days, but a final-round 60 for 4th in Canada means he may have got his act together at the perfect time.

Isaiah Salinda

A Canadian Tour struggler who is outside the world’s top 1,600. A qualifier just making up the numbers.

Kalle Samooja

His DP World Tour breakthrough came in the European Open this month. The 34-year-old Finn has played in 1 previous Major (the 2021 PGA) and missed the cut. A weekend off seems the most likely scenario.

Xander Schauffele

Cool Californian with a superb U.S. Open record (5-6-3-5-7). Olympic gold came last year and he was one half of a winning Zurich Classic team Patrick Cantlay in April. The 28-year-old is at his best on tough tracks where pars are golden, which is why he thrives in this event. A tie for 13th in the PGA was preceded by a 65-61 Byron Nelson weekend and followed by 18th at Memorial. He tied for 17th in the strokeplay element of the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline, then won 2 matches before losing. Has a great chance of making the top 10 this week.

Scottie Scheffler

The world #1 has won 4 of his last 10 tournaments, including his Major breakthrough at Augusta in April. He lost a playoff to Sam Burns at Colonial at the end of last month while his missed cut at the PGA came from the wrong side of a crucial draw. He tied for 50th in the strokeplay element of the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline, squeezing through to the matchplay and winning 3 matches before losing in the quarterfinals. His best PGA Tour round of 59 (2020 Northern Trust) came in Massachusetts. He has every chance of claiming a second major title, although his Canadian Open warm-up was underwhelming, with poor putting a feature.

Adam Schenk

Tied for 38th in the strokeplay element of the 2013 U.S. Amateur, but lost in round 1 of the matchplay. A PGA Tour maiden who tied for 41st in his major debut at the PGA.

Marcel Schneider

German with DP World Tour form figures of 7-4-5. Making the cut would be a huge achievement.

Adam Scott

A former world #1 and the 2013 Masters champion. Has 8 missed cuts in 20 U.S. Opens. Out of form and an unattractive option.

Chase Seiffert

A 30-year-old Floridian qualifier making his major debut. Outside the world’s top 400 and winless on main tours.

Laird Shepherd

The St Andrews-based amateur has reached 34th in the world amateur rankings. He missed the cut in last year’s British Open and this year’s Masters.

Davis Shore

The Knoxville youngster was outside the top 2,000 of the world amateur rankings before turning pro last year. A qualifier who has been struggling on the Latinoamerica Tour.

Ben Silverman

A 34-year-old Canadian with 1 Korn Ferry Tour title. Outside world’s top 1,000 and making his major debut.

Webb Simpson

Neck problems blighted the start of the former U.S. Open champion’s season, but 20th in the PGA and 27th at Colonial have provided encouragement, and changing his clubs has helped his approach play. Probably not ready to win another major, but he is competitive again.

Todd Sinnott

An Australian 30-year-old who has spent most of his career competing in Asia. Has won once on the Asian Tour and once in his home nation. A major debutant.

Roger Sloan

The Canadian missed the cut in his national Open last week, his 14th missed cut of the season, and he has slipped outside the world’s top 300. Little can be expected in his major debut.

Cameron Smith

A short-game master who has improved his driving this season, winning the Sentry Tournament of Champions and the Players Championship. He has not done much wrong all year, fully establishing himself as a member of the elite. After 4th place in his debut, though, his subsequent U.S. Open form (59-MC-72-38-MC) is off-putting. Respected, but others are preferred.

Sebastian Soderberg

The Swede flopped in the Scandinavian Mixed last week, missing the cut, and will probably struggle for weekend employment at Brookline. He missed the cut in the 2016 U.S. Open.

Jordan Spieth

The 3-time Major champion – the latest coming in the 2017 British Open. Aside from victory at quirky Chambers Bay, his U.S. Open record is poor, with no other top-10s in 10 starts. Heavy expectations and a favourable draw translated to only a share of 34th in the PGA. Worth considering for Brookline, but his short-range putting remains a concern.

Scott Stallings

A qualifier who has earned the chance to compete for his national title in the state of his birth. The 3-time PGA Tour champion has a poor majors record, though, with 8 missed cuts from 11 starts and no top-20s.

Sam Stevens

The Wichita native came through qualifying. He has won on the Latinoamerica Tour, but not on the Korn Ferry circuit, and is outside the world’s top 500.

Sepp Straka

The Georgia-based Austrian made his PGA Tour breakthrough in the Honda Classic in February. The talented 29-year-old has made the cut in all 4 of his majors and can make the cut again without contending.

Brian Stuard

An out-of-form 39-year-old from Michigan who has won once on the PGA Tour. Has 7 missed cuts from 10 major starts with a best finish of 36th in the 2017 Masters. Missed the cut by 7 shots in Canada last week.

Tomoyaso Sugiyama

Qualifier from Japan who is badly out of his depth. Has only 1 victory in homeland and his major debut is highly likely to end on Friday.

Callum Tarren

A 31-year-old Englishman struggling through his PGA Tour rookie campaign. Outside the world’s top 400 and with no main-tour wins.

Nick Taylor

Canadian who performed well in his national Open last week, he has U.S. Open form of MC-36-43. He can be fancied to make the cut without contending.

Justin Thomas

The PGA champion has reasonable US Open form (MC-32-9-25-MC-8-19) and seems a huge runner for Brookline, where his magical iron play will count for so much. He has 15 PGA Tour titles and has been super-consistent this year. A likely contender, but he missed the cut by 3 shots in the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline, and closing with back-to-back bogeys after getting a share of the lead in Canada may have been an untimely dent to his confidence.

Michael Thorbjornsen

A classy 20-year-old who has reached 15th in the world amateur rankings, he won the 2018 U.S. Junior Amateur. He was 79th in his only previous Major, the 2019 U.S. Open. He lives in Massachusetts and won the 2021 Massachusetts Amateur. Could go fairly well at enormous odds.

Cameron Tringale

A PGA Tour maiden at 34, having blown countless chances. Has a miserable majors record, never bettering 26th in 14 starts.

Erik van Rooyen

The out-of-form South African has won once on the DP World Tour and once on the PGA Tour. He has missed the cut in the last 5 majors.

Harold Varner

Another PGA Tour maiden who has won twice overseas in the 2017 Australian PGA and the 2022 Saudi International. Has no top-20s in 10 majors, but was tied 13th in Canada.

Travis Vick

A college star in Texas. Another amateur teeing up at Brookline looking to gain experience, with no genuine hope of contending.

Aaron Wise

The 2018 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year. Has made the cut in his last 6 Majors, but missed the cut by 6 shots in the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline. Runner-up in the Memorial last time out, the 1-time PGA Tour champion is probably not quite ready to win a major.

Gary Woodland

Winless since the 2019 U.S. Open, his lone Major success and 1 of only 3 top-10s in 41 majors. Outside the world’s top 100 now.

Cameron Young

The 2-time Korn Ferry Tour champion tied for 3rd in the PGA last month. The 25-year-old should make his PGA Tour breakthrough before long. He missed the cut in the 2013 U.S. Amateur at Brookline, and a Sunday 84 at Memorial last time out hinted he may be suffering from burnout.

Will Zalatoris

Zalatoris missed the cut by 5 shots in the 2013 US Amateur at Brookline. A PGA Tour maiden who has lost 2 playoffs this year — at the Farmers Insurance Open in January and in the PGA last month. A top-8 finisher in 5 of his last 7 Majors, he seems likely to contend again, but his short putting can be X-rated stuff.

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