This year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 is set to be an exciting tournament, with a significant presence from the LIV Golf League.
With 12 LIV Golf players in the field, the competition promises to be fierce and full of intrigue.
Here’s a look at the key players and their prospects for the 2024 U.S. Open.
Past Champions and Seasoned Veterans
Among the LIV Golf entrants, several past U.S. Open champions bring a wealth of experience to Pinehurst.
Cleeks GC Captain Martin Kaymer returns to Pinehurst for this week’s U.S. Open, a place steeped in personal history and triumph.
Ten years ago, Kaymer delivered one of the most dominant performances in the tournament’s storied history, capturing the second major of his career in sensational fashion.
Kaymer’s path to victory was nothing short of extraordinary. He led from start to finish, beginning with a three-shot lead after the first round and extending it to six shots by the end of the second round.
His back-to-back 5-under 65s set a U.S. Open record for the lowest 36-hole score at 130.
“Shooting 10-under par after two rounds on that golf course, I almost felt a little bit embarrassed about it because two days prior to the event, I was asked what I believed the winning score would be, and I said probably 2- or 3-over par, and then you shoot 10-under, and you surprise yourself,” Kaymer recalled.
Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka are all competing, each with their eyes set on adding another major title to their impressive resumes. Notably, Brooks Koepka, a two-time U.S. Open winner, is aiming to become the seventh player in history to win three or more U.S. Opens.
Phil Mickelson, the HyFlyers GC Captain, adds another layer of interest. At 54, Mickelson is making his 33rd U.S. Open start, looking to complete the career grand slam.
His history at Pinehurst is memorable, especially his runner-up finish to Payne Stewart in 1999. Mickelson’s pursuit of his first U.S. Open title is a storyline many will be following closely.
Rising Stars and First-Time Contenders
The field also features promising young talents from the LIV Golf ranks. Eugenio Chacarra and David Puig, both earning their spots through final qualifying, represent the new wave of golf talent.
Chacarra, making his major debut, and Puig, who took medalist honours in Northern California, are looking to make a significant impact.
Sergio Garcia, Fireballs GC Captain, joins them as an alternate qualifier, adding experience and skill to the mix.
Garcia’s consistent performance in major tournaments makes him a formidable competitor.
Notable Performances and Streaks
Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed bring significant major experience to the U.S. Open.
However, Reed’s absence breaks his streak of 41 consecutive starts in majors.
Tyrrell Hatton now holds the longest active major start streak among LIV Golf players with 31 consecutive starts, highlighting his resilience and consistency.
Bryson DeChambeau, Crushers GC Captain, enters the U.S. Open after a stellar performance at the Masters, where he led after the first round and posted a career-best 7-under 65.
His recent solo second place at the PGA Championship, marked by a final-round 64, underscores his status as one of the top competitors in major championships.
Cameron Smith, Ripper GC Captain, also arrives at Pinehurst in strong form, having finished T6 at the Masters.
Smith’s consistent performances at Augusta National demonstrate his potential to excel at Pinehurst.
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. Open unfolds at Pinehurst No. 2, the spotlight will be on the LIV Golf contingent.
With a blend of seasoned champions and promising newcomers, the stage is set for a memorable tournament.
Golf fans worldwide will be keenly watching to see who rises to the occasion and etches their name into the annals of U.S. Open history.
