US Open golf: Player-by-player guide to the entire field at Winged Foot

AN, Byeong Hun

Always wins the alphabetical competition but now five years since he won a golf one of note. Good recent form includes 12th at Southwind, when playing in final group, and 22nd in the PGA Championship, and few played better over the weekend at the difficult Olympia Fields. T16 in this last year was his best yet so a case to be made that he'll play well again, but my word can you imagine watching him over a three-footer on these greens? It's that which talked me out of a 150/1 with the basic ability to compete at this level.

ANCER, Abraham

Diminutive, accurate, gritty Mexican whose sole top-grade professional success to date came under the difficult conditions of an Australian Open. Putting well and staying out of trouble and he overcame a lack of power to finish 16th at Bethpage last spring. Something like that would be another good week and extend his cuts-made streak in US majors to a perfect four-from-four. Definitely a top ROW runner.

AUGENSTEIN, John

Hard to get excited about an amateur named John when we've had ones like Bryson, CoLLin, Maverick, Cole, Takumi and Viktor in recent years, and even Jon which is cooler, but this one did reach the final of the US Amateur in 2019 and has stayed on at college to take up the exemptions he earned in doing so. MC in the Heritage last year and down-the-field run in Maridoe during lockdown underline that he's got a job on to make the weekend.

BALIN, Danny

Club professional who has missed the cut in the last three PGA Championships, including at Harding Park last month, and now makes his US Open debut. Says he's played around 50 rounds at Winged Foot but not sure they'll help him achieve a weekend tee-time. Will still make headlines, though, as he's employed Michael O’Keefe, the actor who played Noonan in Caddyshack, to carry his bag in a couple of practice rounds. Also notable for having won the Guatemala Stella Artois Open which sounds like it might be both dangerous and fun.

BARJON, Paul

Fifth-ranked French golfer in the world who currently plays on the Korn Ferry Tour, where he's been in and out this summer with three top-threes and five missed cuts before a decent spin last week. That's how he qualified and he said that playing Winged Foot 'would be a great experience in my opinion'. Wonder if he'll alter that view come Friday.

BERGER, Daniel

One of the stars of 2020 having returned from injury to produce his best golf yet, better than that which qualified him for the 2017 Presidents Cup. Would be hard to leave out of a Ryder Cup side right now and I wonder whether he'll wind up being one of those players who is unfortunate never to play in the sport's greatest team competition. That won't be the case if he continues on his current path and look how strong he was through the bag in the 2020 season: 27th off the tee, 34th on approach, 28th around the green and 17th putting is exceptional. Best major effort yet came in the 2018 US Open, where he played in the final group at nearby Shinnecock, and he's a big runner everywhere at the moment.

BEZUIDENHOUT, Christiaan

Quiet South African who has been quietly impressive this summer, given he's adapting to life on the PGA Tour and presumably living out of a suitcase. Nothing special from his seven appearances post-lockdown, but he made four cuts, secured a few nice cheques, and in 22 rounds only once did he shoot more than 72. All of his best golf was powered by the putter which is a weapon of his, and to succeed at a course as meaty as this he will need to hit more fairways than he has been. Missed both major cuts so far but does know how to grind as evidenced by Valderrama win. Not sure that's worth enough.

BRADLEY, Keegan

Long, straight driver who made hay while the sun shone before the anchoring ban came into force. Hasn't been a factor at this level since and has one top-five finish on the PGA Tour since winning two years ago. On both those occasions he led the field in putting, a category in which he's ranked 185th, 178th and 174th over the past three seasons. Good luck trying to work out when exactly he'll come alive, though both have been in the north east on non-bermuda greens. Still, very hard to know when the putter is going to behave.

CABRERA BELLO, Rafa

Career has stalled since the 2016 Ryder Cup, in which he made a strong impression as a rookie on a losing side. Has won once in the interim but was gifted that and his form in 2020 has been poor. Adds a little to the top Spaniard market without looking like he's much of a threat and if you do want to back him, it ought to be over one round - he's managed a handful of really low ones and has that in the locker despite not managing a top-20 finish all summer.

CANTLAY, Patrick

Very similar profile to Rory McIlroy right now, as one of the few top-level golfers who haven't really come to the party since the PGA Tour returned. Took his time to come back and looked sharp initially, but iron play hasn't been up to scratch and undermines his consistently strong driving. Short-game was razor-sharp last time out when 12th in Illinois and if he does improve with his approaches then he has a nice profile, being fresh, proven on big, tough courses in this part of the US, and having major credentials. Could be worth benefit of some doubt but price hasn't quite moved enough.

CASEY, Paul

Purist, philanthropist... probably a cyclist third, and arrives here ready to put in the hard yards having shown encouraging signs since September. Nobody in the field for the PGA Championship enjoyed Collin Morikawa's eagle at the 16th more than PC which, yes, is a little odd given that he was in second place at the time, but there you have it: there's more to life and all that. In all seriousness, perhaps that attitude is actually why Casey won tournaments in 2018 and 2019 and he is playing well enough to add another in 2020. Could it be this one? Yes, actually: he was 15th here in 2006 despite a nightmare start, 16th at Shinnecock, and has the required power.

MUNOZ, Sebastian

Progressive Colombian who won at the start of the season and has backed it up, ending the campaign with back-to-back top-10 finishes. Everything was good at East Lake and no longer is he all about the putter, so this is his best chance yet to make the weekend in a major on what's just his fourth go.

NA, Kevin

Two top-10s, two missed cuts, a withdrawal and a mixed bag otherwise mark it down as a stop-start summer for a player who once had problems starting. These days best known for striding after putts which are on their way in and it's been lovely to see him win the public over as, for all his demons (see: straight-jacket photo) he has always seemed like one of the good guys. Korean-language victory speech last year a real highlight and he has everyone's respect now. Likely to find this too long.

NIEMANN, Joaquin

Lacks the consistency of some of his contemporaries and wasn't as impressive as Sungjae Im at the Presidents Cup. However, when he's on is a breathtaking ball-striker and we saw that at the BMW Championship where he gained an eye-watering 13.7 shots with his long-game. Those numbers are sensational and were generated on a long, hard course which may prove a decent form guide. Shame he didn't back up at East Lake and that's what you get. MC-MC-71-MC-MC in majors is the big issue but it really is a matter of time before he figures it out.

NOREN, Alex

Sweet and hard-working Swede who looks like 'Dollar' Bill Stearn from Billions, or at least I thought he did - Google seems to disagree right now. Anyway, Noren is back playing good golf again and his dynamite short-game is a good fit for this. He'll have to work out how to stay in the conversation off the tee but your card is marked if and when he journeys back to Europe where titles have been won at regular intervals over the last three or four years. Came closest on the PGA Tour at Torrey Pines which bodes well but not quite at that level now.

NORRIS, Shaun

Rock-solid South African who started well in the PGA. A little like Harding, he's made his name in Asia where his last win came in nine-under, and at 38 we know what he is.

OGLETREE, Andy

Isn't this the name of a character in Robin Hood: Men in Tights? Perhaps not. Shot 77-81 at The Memorial and last year's winner of the US Amateur probably isn't quite ready for this.

OOSTHUIZEN, Louis

Sweet-swinging tractor driver who has been second in every major since he won the 2010 Open. It really is one of the sport's most curious careers: he's yet to win anything in the USA, hasn't won in Europe since 2010 (all wins on the Tour since the Open have been in Africa, Asia or Australia) and basically hasn't won a proper, top-grade event of any description... except The Open Championship. Yet in coming so close, so often, seldom has he done anything wrong. Anyway, he arrives in nice form, the driver is working again since he went back to an old one he likes, and he led the field in scrambling in the tough BMW last time. Never one to pass over lightly in these.

OTAEGUI, Adrian

Straight-hitting Spaniard who boasts the curious distinction of being a two-time European Tour winner without having won a stroke play title. Better known for being terribly slow so he'll be right at home here but no way the Pirate, as he's known, heads home with the treasure.

PAK, John

Another high-class amateur and one who is from not too far away in New Jersey. Impressed in the Walker Cup last year as he has done throughout his time at Florida State.

PALMER, Ryan

Won the Zurich Classic with Jon Rahm last year and chased home his team-mate in the Memorial earlier this year. That came after he'd shot 77-81 at the same coure a week earlier and he's pushed on, his short-game powering a run to East Lake. Probably as good as he's ever been at 43 and boasts top-30 finishes in all four majors, but this is the one in which he's struggled a little.

PARATORE, Renato

Lightning-quick Italian with good hands and now two European Tour wins to his name, having landed the British Masters really impressively. Can be wayward off the tee and form has regressed a little since; looks a candidate to exit early having made seven birdies and more than one seven.

PENDRITH, Taylor

Korn Ferry Tour player who has played well virtually every week for the last three months and fired a closing 66 on Sunday for 13th place. Hits it a mile which helps and is an interesting candidate in that fascinating - genuinely - top Canadian market.

PEPPERELL, Eddie

Podcaster who used to write a bit and has two European Tour wins to his name, both on pretty difficult courses. Famously flew home while still a little drunk at Carnoustie two years ago to finish sixth and was 16th in this at Erin Hills. Two withdrawals and a missed cut since return 47th in the British Masters but has hit the ball well only to putt horribly.

PEREZ, Victor

Arguably the biggest victim, from a form perspective, of lockdown - he'd been in fine form prior to it and on course for a Ryder Cup debut; now, his Ryder Cup hopes are back to where they were before a brilliant end to 2019 and he needs to rediscover his game. The big positive is that he led the field in greens hit at Valderrama and ranked fifth in approaches, as it was ball-striking which powered his surge up the rankings, and ball-striking which had been the problem in the US. Could do OK if building on that as he's long, straight, and was 22nd at Harding Park.

PIETERS, Thomas

Took his time to return having become a father just before the Celtic Classic, where he was third. Followed that with 15th at the same course and ranked fourth tee-to-green in both, his around-the-green stats particularly encouraging with this in mind. Could be that he's a run or two short but there's a fair bit to like otherwise: he's long off the tee, immensely talented, has two stateside top-six finishes in majors and was 23rd at Bethpage last year. Reservations as to whether he can curb his aggression and do what he has to do here but a big price.

POSTON, JT

Really impressive winner of his local event, the Wyndham, in 2019 - where he managed to play the entire tournament without making a bogey. Looked ready to kick on when 10th and eighth at the start of summer but has done the opposite, and it's hard to be competitive when you lose strokes with your approaches every week.

POULTER, Ian

No signs of slowing down despite having turned 44 in January, and one of the eye-catchers at the PGA where he finished 22nd after an opening 73. Good for three rounds on sole subsequent outing but it's largely been courtesy of quality putting and that won't be enough here, for all he was 12th in 2006.

PUTNAM, Andrew

Looked on the verge of something two years ago when he built on an opposite-event win and contended for a WGC, but has been very poor throughout 2020. Better when 36th last week but that baby step would only have been relevant were we talking about another Barbasol, or a Sony, or something. In this he'll be exposed.

RAHM, Jon

Relentless first four years as a professional - yes, it has only been four years - culminated in that brilliant Memorial win, as he stood tall while others failed to and conquered the toughest test of summer. Went on to win the BMW Championship with that absurd play-off putt and these are two of the most significant formlines we have. The fact that 13th place in the PGA Championship looks underwhelming says everything and the combination of a brilliant short-game and improvement in his approach work, which complements his driving excellence, makes him look the full package now. Third in this last year and one of the most likely winners. Very hard to find a genuine negative.

REAVIE, Chez

One of the best old-school operators around and was rewarded with third place alongside Rahm in last year's renewal. That came at a course he knows well and has gone close to winning on, but if he can overcome a lack of power he might enhance an already fine major record. Reavie has gone 22-12-14-75 in the last four editions of the PGA, 16-MC-3 in this, and those following in side markets have been rewarded handsomely. Third last week when flushing it again and while he'll need to be close to the top of the ball-striking stats to have any chance, that's very much his thing.

REED, Patrick

Loves playing in this part of the US having won at Bethpage and in New Jersey. Contended for the US Open at Shinnecock in the months following his Masters win and has the touch around the greens to scramble his way to this title if at the top of his game. Final-round 65 at the TOUR Championship came at an ideal time and saw him lead the field in scrambling and driving accuracy to suggest a strong bid for a second major may well be coming.

RILEY, Davis

One of the standout Korn Ferry Tour talents and showed what he could do when winning in Texas in July. Less impressive recently but not out of the question his driver could carry him to the weekend.

RITCHIE, J.C.

Not at the very top of the tree when it comes to emerging South African players but suspect he's got a bright enough future. Form lately has been very poor with four missed cuts from four starts in the UK Swing.

ROSE, Justin

Strangely, atypically in and out throughout summer. He started it with third in Texas and 14th at the Heritage before three missed cuts, then ninth at the PGA, another missed cut, and then weekend 67s for 25th in Boston. That he didn't make the top 70 in the FedEx Cup tells you how badly the pre-lockdown events had gone for this former world number one, who no longer works with Sean Foley and no longer represents Honma. Race against time to put the pieces together and get back to where he wants to be but that ninth place at Harding Park was laced with class and that's why he cannot be totally overlooked.

ROUSAUD, Eduard

Spain's next big thing, potentially, but was found out at Valderrama when shooting 83-74 to miss the cut by a long way. Top-five in the world amateur rankings.

SABBATINI, Rory

Another late entrant whose presence in the field will presumably force TV bosses into a change of schedule back in his home town of - checks notes - Bratislava. Twelve US Opens without cracking the top 40 which makes sense given he's a little impatient at the best of times.

SCHAUFFELE, Xander

Much the best at East Lake last time and rewarded with a return to the world's top 10. That was his eighth top-25 finish in succession and ninth in 10 starts since the resumption. Did very little wrong in the PGA when 10th and his major record is just absurd: 12 starts, 11 cuts made, eight top-20 finishes, six top-10s, five top-sixes. What can you say about that, other than 'wow'? It's why for all the price may look short, his form merits it at the each-way terms we're now presented with. He ought to relish the nature of this challenge and is another of the market principals whose claims are obvious.

SCHWAB, Matthias

Third in the Barracuda having decided to return to action in the US before heading to Europe for the UK Championship, where he was poor until the final round. Proper ball-striker who enjoyed a fine college career in the US and ought to be a breakout star of 2021 if he hasn't managed it before then.

SCOTT, Adam

Continues to do things his own way and not worry about adopting a light schedule, which is something he's generally stuck to since touring his Green Jacket back in 2013. That explains why he returned to action in the PGA Championship in what would otherwise be called a maverick move, and it was hard not to be impressed by a share of 22nd in the circumstances. Fairly promising in both starts since without hitting it as well as he'd like, and much depends on whether he's primed or proves short of a run or two. Shared 21st here in 2006 and all three of his US Open top-10s have come since 2014. Big player if able to improve just a little and hole his share from inside 10 feet.

SCOTT, Sandy

There are high hopes for this Scottish amateur who had planned to turn professional this year but remains an amateur for now. Says his coach knows the course well which is something, but clearly this is a big step up on some good college form which includes a couple of wins.

SIGG, Greyson

Another promising Korn Ferry Tour youngster who owes his place in the field to a nice run of form post-restart. Led the field in scrambling en route to a top-10 finish at the weekend.

SIMPSON, Webb

Hard to fault this former US Open winner who also has the PLAYERS Championship on his CV and has been superb all year, winning both before and after lockdown. Everything he does after the tee-shot is truly world-class, especially his approach play and putting. Always been good at avoiding three-putts which helps in any major and he won this one in an over-par score in 2012. The trouble is he's not really looked like going in again and his victory came on a course several hundred yards shorter, one ideal for shorter hitters who find fairways. That's why he's struggled to contend on longer courses subsequently and he'll likely produce another creditable top-25 without ever threatening to become a two-time champion.

SMITH, Cameron

Placed in a couple of majors before an excellent Presidents Cup performance late last year, rising to the challenge in his native Australia where he beat Thomas in the singles. Kicked on from that to pinch the Sony Open at the start of the year and, like Simpson, would be much more interesting on a course like Olympic Club. Not to say he can't wedge his way to victory as he's generally excellent on and around the greens bar a blip last time out. Iron play as good as it has been for a while and one to keep on the radar for the months ahead.

SNEDEKER, Brandt

Quietly brilliant PGA Tour career includes nine wins and nine major top-10s, four of which have been in this event. Will love the challenge these greens present but his form throughout summer has been especially poor. Turns 40 in December and has more to give over the next couple of years, but needs to sharpen up considerably from tee to green first.

SPIETH, Jordan

Winner of the 2015 edition at Chambers Bay, at which time he was halfway to the Grand Slam and with the world at his feet. Went on to win a dramatic Open Championship two years later and, at his best or close to it, is the best watch in golf, combining will and wizardry in an intense and loveable manner. Hasn't won anything since the Open and though popping up occasionally including in majors (contended in 2018 defence plus that year's Masters, and was close enough in PGA last year) he's working through some very serious issues off the tee. Whether or not he's able to solve them will determine whether or not he ends his career as a three-time major champion, a feat he'd achieved at the age of 25. Desperately hoping he works it out but this will be unforgiving and he's likely to his too many foul balls off the tee. Then again, he's 200/1 on Betfair.

STENSON, Henrik

Deserved and overdue major winner in 2016 and has hit the frame four times since, including when ninth at Pebble Beach. Won in the Bahamas at the end of last year, his first victory in two years, but six starts in 2020 amount to very little. Seems to be one who is happy enough to sit this out and take whatever comes along the way and not sure he's properly prepared for this. It's a shame, as his three-wood could be a massive weapon here and he played nicely in 2006.

STREELMAN, Kevin

Enjoying the best run of his career ever since chasing home DJ at the Travelers. Last week's third place in the Safeway Open might have been better - he made two double-bogeys in his first four holes and was outstanding thereafter - and his long-game is mightily impressive from an accuracy point of view. Record in this isn't great but has never been better and standout T13 came at Oakmont, so don't be surprised if he's thereabouts at some stage.

STRICKER, Steve

Back to his best on the Champions Tour lately and sixth here in 2006. Still, don't be ridiculous.

SUGRUE, James

Last year's Amateur champion has missed the cut in all three tour-level starts, most recently in Oman back in the spring. Did himself proud at Portrush in fairness but this is a test which will be far less familiar.

SULLIVAN, Andy

Chirpy former Ryder Cup player who reminds me a bit of David Gray, you know, the way his head sort of wobbles around a bit? I don't think we'd click on a blind date but each to their own and he was a fabulously impressive winner of the English Championship recently. Low scoring his strength and it's two years since he played in the US, where he's yet to manage a top 10.

SUMMERHAYS, Preston

Youngster who won last year's US Junior Amateur and hails from a serious golfing family - his dad is Boyd, coach of Tony Finau, his uncle is semi-retired Daniel, his sister is apparently very promising and his grandfather played on the Champions Tour. At 18, he's a little way from being ready to compete at this level but nevertheless is set to enjoy a memorable week and, you'd think, a practice round or two with Finau.

SYME, Connor

Improving Scot who has contended several times this summer, most notably in Wales and Spain. Latter effort at Valderrama is at least comparable to this from a scoring perspective and he's got all the tools to enjoy a sustained European Tour career. Not sure his ceiling is as high as some of his contemporaries.

THOMAS, Justin

Perhaps the most up-and-down of the world's elite but a fabulous, hard-to-beat player when at his best. Among his many strengths, I'm not sure enough is said about his approach play, which is as good as anyone in the sport and sets up chance after chance when he's on song. Won the WGC in Memphis recently despite putting poorly and played well at East Lake, but there would be some concerns that these greens and this type of test are less suitable. Certainly, he looks more a PGA Championship player - tough, long, but with birdies out there - and can be a little disappointing when forced to grind in this type of scenario. Didn't take to Harding Park but says he fell in love with Winged Foot during a recent practice round with Tiger Woods, and at some stage he'll either win or almost win a US Open again having led after three rounds at Erin Hills.

THOMPSON, Davis

Georgia Bulldog who put home-course advantage to use when an excellent 23rd in last year's RSM Classic. This is an altogether different kettle of fish.

THOMPSON, Michael

Grinder who hits fairways and is sort of a Webb Simpson-lite, the two having been involved at the finish of the 2012 US Open. Thompson went on to grind it out in the Honda Classic at the expense of former US Open winners Geoff Ogilvy and Lucas Glover, so when conditions are right he is capable. Impressed with the way he got the job done in the 3M Open earlier this summer but whether or not he can keep up here is open to doubt - especially as his form has dipped since that surprise victory.

TODD, Brendon

Fairytale stuff over the last 12 months as a player who could barely pull the club back reignited his career with victories in Bermuda and Mexico. Wouldn't have shocked anyone were he to fall off the face of the earth again after that fortnight but he's done the opposite, regularly competing with the best in the world. Opened with rounds of 64 at Southwind and 65 at Harding Park and first-round lead might be the way to play him if you want to hope he'll hit 17 greens and hole a few long ones, which he does startlingly often.

VALIMAKI, Sami

Heroic winner of the Oman Open in the spring, holing from 20 or so feet to force a play-off before going on to land silverware in his rookie European Tour campaign. Bags of potential and knows how to play in tough conditions, as he showed at Celtic Manor and Valderrama recently. All happening quickly but it wouldn't surprise anyone - or at least it shouldn't - if he rises to another challenge and makes the cut.

VAN ROOYEN, Erik

Positives include good final rounds in Memphis and at the PGA, the fact that he's driven the ball well all year, a top-10 finish at Bethpage in last year's PGA Championship, and the fact that he's made all five major cuts. Negatives concern finishing positions, more specifically the absence of anything better than 20th since the Tour returned, and the putter. Given that he was disappointing at a suitable course in the Safeway Open, it's those negatives which are more compelling.

VERMEER, Ryan

PGA professional who made the cut when 80th at Quail Hollow in the 2017 PGA.

WALKER, Jimmy

Winner of the 2016 PGA Championship whose career has been blighted by a battle with Lyme disease. Has been way off the pace for two years now and his US Open record is miserable bar one top-10 finish at Pinehurst, a very different test to this. Likely to spend far too much time in the rough to even threaten par.

WALLACE, Matt

Burst on the scene a couple of years ago and was miffed not to make the Ryder Cup side after a brilliant victory in Denmark. Hasn't won since as he attempts to bridge the gap to the PGA Tour where this summer's highlight was fourth place in a difficult edition of the Memorial. Likes to fight for it and having finished 12th at Pebble Beach and third in the 2019 PGA, a case can be made at huge odds.

WARING, Paul

Likeable and talented Englishman whose career has been beset by injuries. That's why he took time to emerge this summer and he's played nicely across all three starts, during which the putter has been his chief weapon. Limited experience stateside makes him hard to be interested in here but one to note for the remainder of the European Tour season and could go well at Wentworth.

WATSON, Bubba

Two-time Masters champion who also lost a play-off for the 2010 PGA Championship and has been a prolific winner over the last decade. Eye-catching form recently includes a top-20 at Olympia Fields, 18th at The Northern Trust and 25th at Southwind, but the blot - 71st in the PGA - tells us a lot. Away from Augusta his major record has been hopeless, particular in the US Open where he's made just five cuts in 13, missing five of his last six, and hasn't threatened since 2007. Suspect he'll down tools quickly once more.

WERENSKI, Richy

Won the Baracuda after contending for the 3M Open and those low-scoring, low-key events are where he was always likely to emerge. Makes a lot of birdies and has a touch of class which should see him kick-on, but not yet at this level, and not on a course where pars will be hard to come by.

WESTWOOD, Lee

Veteran former world number one who won another big title in January to reignite hopes of another Ryder Cup appearance before he inevitably gets the call to captain. Skipped the PGA having decided it wasn't worth the risk so this is his first major since Portrush, where he was a distant fourth. Didn't play in the 2006 renewal of this, either, but US Open record is admirable: 15 cuts made in 18 and five top-10s. Does have course experience from way back in 1997 (T29) and progressive recent form (70-34-17-10) is enough to dare to dream.

WIESBERGER, Bernd

Returned from injury in fine style last year with three wins to take his career tally to eight on the European Tour. Has experience contending for a major having played in the final group of the PGA in 2014 and short-game has hit new heights, so he's one of those at a big price who could threaten the top 20 and keep Rahm honest in the top continental European market.

WILLETT, Danny

Opportunistic but nerveless, deserved and brilliant winner of the Masters in 2016, confirmation of his big-time mentality. Suffered a serious and well-documented dip in form after that but has since added two big Rolex Series events to his list of titles and played well in this (T12) and the Open (T6) in 2019. Concern would be his recent form and late arrival having only flown out on Monday, albeit that worked fine at Augusta.

WOLFF, Matt

Absolutely flushed his way to fourth place in the PGA and sure to have seen Morikawa's win as further evidence of his own ability to win a major now, rather than in the years to come. Both subsequent appearances have offered promise and he closed out nicely at Olympia Fields, furthering the impression that he's getting better under tough conditions. Experience a potential issue at a course as demanding as this one, though.

WOODLAND, Gary

Defending champion who was brilliant at Pebble Beach, holding firm against a Koepka charge and having faced Rose in the final group. Short-game improvements helped force open the door but he's been struggling with his long-game throughout this year, consulting a new coach in Justin Parsons (albeit a Harmon disciple) and tinkering with equipment. Just a little better lately and has an excellent Bethpage record but not sure this is ideal timing even for a player and indeed man of genuine class.

WOODS, Tiger

The hunt for major number 16 hasn't really taken off since he so famously and so fabulously reached 15 at Augusta last April, finishes of MC, 21, MC, 37 demonstrating he's been far from the top of leaderboards. Form here would be a concern (29-MC) although it should be noted his father had only recently passed away in 2006, and he just wasn't prepared mentally. Can certainly argue he'd relish this at his best and his iron play has remained strong throughout four starts this summer. However, his driving has not been and that's likely to undermine the rest of his play. Would never talk anyone out of it at 65 on the exchanges but suspect it's a case of getting in the right shape for a strong defence at Augusta in November as his body continues to hold him back just a little, just enough.

WU, Brandon

Very promising young pro whose amateur career was outstanding at Stanford. Won on the Korn Ferry Tour last time and is destined for bigger and better things, regardless of how this week close to his childhood home goes. The fact he's made five cuts in six on the PGA Tour, including as an amateur in last year's US Open, bodes well and his accuracy could earn him a weekend slot.

YU, Chun-An

Another talented youngster with a stack of impressive amateur achievements, and a top-five finish at last year's Australian Open too. Missed the cut by a long way in this two years ago and in the Arnold Palmer in the spring and looks up against it.

ZALATORIS, Will

The standout Korn Ferry Tour player at the moment and would be a PGA Tour rookie but for the bloody coronavirus. Top 10 for greens hit in every one of his 11 starts this summer, a quite ridiculous feat, and destined for success at the top. Don't be surprised if he's good enough to mix it already. I'm off for a lie down in a dark room.

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