As practice rounds for the 124th U.S. Open Championship conclude and players finish their preparations for round one Thursday morning, there are several players who may be worth keeping an eye on over the course of the next few days, as well as the weekend, in pursuit of a major title.
Starting the list — and who else do you think it could possibly be — the PGA’s No. 1-ranked golfer in the world, Scottie Scheffler.
Pretty much every event this guy has showed up for in recent memory he has been the one to beat.
Playing in eight events since March, Scheffler has yet to finish outside the top 8, racking up wins in five of those events — including capturing his second green jacket at The Masters tournament in April.
It's hard to bet against this guy with the streak he is on and, as with the stock market, don't fight the trend. We most likely see him all over the leaderboard this week.
And now, in no particular order, here are some potential players to put on your watchlist if coming out to the open this week.
Brooks Koepka - Koepka has made a name for himself in the world of major championships. With four wins on the LIV tour where he currently plays and four PGA Tour victories since turning pro in 2012, you would maybe bypass him as someone to be featured on our players-to-watch list. Koepka is a U.S. Open and PGA Championship killer, boasting five major championships — back-to-back U.S.Open titles in 2017 and 2018; and three PGA championships in 2018, 2019 and 2023. No matter his form, no matter the weather or who is playing, Koepka is a notable and formidable player to keep an eye on over the next few days. Xander Schauffele - Schauffele is another player coming into this year's Open on a hot streak. With 14 events played this season, Schauffele has finished inside the top 10 at 10 events, including a breakthrough major championship at the PGA championship in May. With the proverbial monkey off his back, will Schauffele be freed up for a run at back-to-back major victories? Bryson Dechambeau - A recent U.S. Open Winner in 2020 and one of the longest hitters on the planet, Dechambeau is an entertaining player to keep an eye on. One could argue that Dechambeau is one of the most active professional players on social media and draws large amounts of interest due to his unique takes of golf equipment, course strategies, and large personality. How many guys out there are changing their diet, workout routines, and complete body structure to be able to compete on both the PGA tour and the Long Drive world circuit? You guessed it: Bryson Dechambeau. But Dechambeau doesn't make it on our list because of all the things surrounding his game — it's for what he does inside the ropes. His length off the tee will no doubt be a huge asset to him this week, allowing him to have more options and shorter clubs in his hands coming into the known treacherous green complexes at Pinehurst No. 2. Dechambeau also commented in his press conference on recently “figuring out” and putting better since struggling with his putting at The Masters. If you are looking for a hole this week where Dechambeau may be aggressive, hole 3 is a shorter par 4 where some players may consider attempting to blast it over the tree line on the dogleg right. Though not a guarantee, it could be a place where fireworks are sure to fly throughout the week. Tiger Woods - One of the greatest of all time has returned to Pinehurst, possibly for the last time playing competitively. Woods has already drawn large crowds this week and undoubtedly will continue throughout the week. Any time a legend of the game shows up it's must-see golf, no matter their form. But besides his form, Woods looks relaxed, seems to be having a blast with fellow pros and his son Charlie, and may just surprise some people this week. Luke Clanton - Though already featured earlier this week, Clanton has been a lock as a must-watch player this week in Pinehurst. From his great form during his college season to national award selections, Clanton is one of the top amateurs to keep an eye on. Clanton’s game is solid and trending up, he carries himself well with a good dose of humility, and seems poised to have a nice week between the pines. It's anyone's guess who will hoist the U.S.Open trophy on Sunday evening. Not many would have predicted Michael Cambell’s win back in 2005 or even Martin Kaymer's dominant performance in 2014. Grab a drink and some popcorn, ‘cause the show starts tomorrow. Zachary Pessagno is a photographer and pro golf contributor to the RO. He lives in Aberdeen.
