Scottie Scheffler Leads Strong Field at 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst

The 124th U.S. Open is set to kick off at the venerable Pinehurst Country Club in North Carolina, drawing a strong field of golfers vying for the prestigious title. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh off a string of victories, stands as the favorite heading into the tournament, having already secured five PGA Tour titles this year.

As the competition gears up, all eyes are on Scheffler, who could potentially make history by joining the likes of Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh as the only golfers to win six or more times in a season since 1983. The stakes are high as a $20 million purse, with nearly $4 million earmarked for the winner, awaits the triumphant golfer.

However, the field is filled with formidable challengers, including Collin Morikawa, who has been delivering consistent performances in recent events, securing top finishes at the PGA Championship, the Charles Schwab Challenge, and the Memorial. The Memorial saw Scheffler narrowly fend off Morikawa’s surging performance with just a one-stroke victory.

The return of Tiger Woods to the U.S. Open scene has also garnered significant attention, with the 15-time major champion eyeing a strong finish after missing the cut at the PGA Championship last month. Woods, playing on familiar territory at Pinehurst, expressed confidence in the hot and humid conditions, suggesting it could be advantageous for his game.

Another notable absence is Jon Rahm, who withdrew from the tournament due to a foot infection that threatened his performance. This unexpected development opens up opportunities for other contenders like Bryson DeChambeau, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Åberg, and Brooks Koepka, who are all aiming to showcase their skills and claim victory.

Additionally, Phil Mickelson, a six-time runner-up at the U.S. Open, will be looking to defy the odds and complete the career grand slam. Mickelson faces a tough field of competitors but remains determined to leave his mark on the championship.