These guys aren’t among the favourites this week at Erin Hills – surprisingly in some cases – but under the right circumstances they could all find themselves in contention come Sunday. Looking to round out your US Open fantasy lineup? You could do worse than pick from among these tour pros.
Rickie Fowler
Shane Lowry
The Irishman’s T-2 finish last year at Oakmont was his second straight top-10 in the event. There was disappointment that he was unable to hold the 54-hole lead, but optimism that the learning experience will propel him the next time he’s in contention in a big event. It didn’t happen at Augusta (MC, one of just two in 11 PGA Tour starts this season), but that could change this coming week in Wisconsin.
Hideki Matsuyama
Matsuyama missed the cut for the first time in four US Opens last year at Oakmont, but his previous starts have been solid (T-10, T-35 and T-18). The World No.4 is in the top 10 in strokes gained/off the tee and tee to green, cementing his reputation as a superior ball-striker. If the Japanese star can get his putter working even a little bit in Wisconsin, his country could be celebrating its first men’s Major championship victory.
Kevin Na
Na, T-12 in 2014 at Pinehurst and T-7 a year ago at Oakmont, is another golfer with a tidy US Open resume, having made the cut in his last four starts. He had to WD from the Players after two holes due to illness and hasn’t finished better than T-39 in a US PGA Tour stroke-play event since February. If he can block out a few negative thoughts, though, Na’s development and maturity could make a difference.
Pat Perez
It’s been since 2008 that Perez last played in the US Open, a statistical oddity that is as intriguing as it is unusual. Two missed cuts in four previous starts won’t knock your socks off, but the 41-year-old is having his best ever season on tour, with just one missed cut (and one WD) in 18 starts, 11 top-25 finishes and five top-10s. We’ll take momentum over experience.
Adam Scott
Scott made headlines after voicing his concern about whether the USGA might botch the setup at Erin Hills. Interestingly, though, the 36-year-old Aussie has grown more comfortable of late with Open setups, having made the cut five straight years and finishing inside the top 20 four of the five times. Meanwhile, Scott is having a sneaky good season, with just one missed cut in nine starts and top-10s at this year’s Masters and Players Championship. Why can’t he keep his sneaky on for another week?
Brandt Snedeker
Steve Stricker
The 50-year-old Wisconsin native is the sentimental favourite entering the week at Erin Hills after surviving Sectional Qualifying. His Open record is strong, too: 19 starts, 17 made cuts and four top-10s. The biggest question would appear to be if all the practice and playing in recent weeks to prepare for the 36-hole qualifier has tired him out.
Daniel Summerhays
His track record in Opens is improving after a T-8 in 2016 and T-27 in 2015. Meanwhile, swing changes being taught by his older brother, Boyd, are starting to produce results after five months of solid but not spectacular play. Seems like Erin Hills could be the right place at the right time.
