The wait is finally over as the 120th US Open gets underway this week. Played across four days between 17-20 September, the tournament was originally scheduled for 18–21 June at Winged Foot Golf Club in New York. However, it was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but now we’re all set to go, and we cannot wait.

We’re hoping that Winged Foot provides us with a classic US Open and the fans are treated to seeing the players facing a stern test. In recent tournaments the have had things their own way, but perhaps not here where it is expected to be a real a challenge. Who doesn’t love seeing the pros get punished every now and then?

Winged Foot has undergone a full redesign in recent years but the renowned greens at the venue are sure to remain a big talking point. The pros will have to show pinpoint accuracy to combat the sloping greens and expected firm conditions, which is going to be a real leveller. Big hitting, which has really started to dominate the sport, is going to be important again, but this US Open will need finesse too.  

So who is in with a shot?

An in-form Dustin Johnson is the justifiable favourite going into the competition. The World Number One also thrives in a tough US Open and it’s hard not to see him being in the picture come the end of the tournament.

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Jon Rahm has a big chance too. He is in great nick and has won at two of the toughest tour courses already this year. The Spaniard won the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village, and the BMW Championship at Olympia Fields. He looks a good chance at a nice price.  

Despite a relatively short career, Xander Schauffele has become somewhat of a major specialist without actually winning one. Having said that he has finished in the top 10 5 times out of his 11 starts. Impressive. Schauffele ranks 6th in strokes gained from the tee, and this could come in very handy this week around Winged Foot.

In fact, the USA supply most of the other dangers, namely Justin Thomas, Webb Simpson, and Colin Morikawa. Whilst Rory McIlroy is still trying to end his major drought.  

Elsewhere, Adam Scott could well take the title back to Australia. Scott has a win to his name this season and can boast three top ten finishes in his last six US Open tournaments. A light schedule might also be in his favour having played just three times since the sport was able to restart.

It’s going to be another fascinating competition. The firm, sloping greens could wreak havoc and give the best players in the world some real headaches. We’re expecting an open tournament and some brilliant putting – it’ll be needed to clinch the title.

The best thing to do is sit back, tune in and enjoy every dramatic twist.  

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