There's Gold in Them There Hills

Last year’s U.S. Open at Erin Hills was very much a celebration of American golf, with all but two of the top 12 places filled by players wearing the Stars & Stripes on their sleeves. But as Mike Wilson writes, with five overseas players occupying the top-10 players on the Official World Golf Ranking, this year’s event at Shinnecock Hills could be much more of an international affair

Shinnecock Hills is a links-style golf club

Tiger Woods is trying to win his first Major since lifting the U.S. Open trophy at Torrey Pines fully a decade ago. And his arch-rival Phil Mickelson is also attempting to complete the career grand slam by winning the only one of the four BIG titles to have eluded him to date. With 20 years elapsing since the last successful defence of the U.S. Open, the odds must be stacked against Brooks Koepka retaining the title he won in such convincing style at Erin Hills 12 months ago.

Hold onto your hats for what promises to be a rollercoaster ride un in New York State this month.

Ask your average American PGA TOUR player at the outset of his career which Major they would covet most were they able to choose, and it would be a toss-up between the Masters and the U.S. Open. Most other international players would select the Open Championship, one of the four flagship events most steeped in history and heritage would most probably top the poll.

Looking back to last year, Brooks Koepka won his first Major at the U.S. Open Championship, a stunning string of birdies down the stretch secured him a four-shot victory at Erin Hills last June. Having entered the final day one shot behind overnight leader Brian Harman, four birdies from the 14th on Sunday afternoon took the American well clear at 16-under-par.

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