U.S. Open: Top 10 sleepers for Erin Hills

Jhonattan Vegas — No. 63

This Venezuelan has never had much luck at the majors, but that could change this year. Erin Hills may be a new venue, but if we know one thing, it’s that the pros will be dealing with one lengthy course. That should suit Vegas just fine — the 32-year-old has the requisite firepower to hold his own in a big ballpark like this one, and his season results haven’t been shabby either.

Although he’s now missed two of his last three cuts, Vegas has been generally solid in 2017, picking up four top 20 finishes between February and mid-April. He owes most of that success to the longer clubs in his bag — at the moment, he ranks 56th on the PGA TOUR in strokes gained: off-the-tee and 52nd in strokes gained: approach-the-green. He’s also solid out of the rough, which will help at Erin Hills. A lack of experience at the majors is one of his glaring weaknesses, but Vegas actually tied for 22nd at last summer’s PGA Championship, an encouraging sign.

No Venezuelan has ever won a major championship, and while he’s clearly a long shot to pull it off, Vegas will get another opportunity at this year’s U.S. Open. The course could be a perfect fit for his game — he just needs to get it together on the greens.