U.S. Open: Top 10 sleepers for Erin Hills
By Sam Belden
Jim Furyk — No. 77
The winner of the 2003 U.S. Open, Furyk will enter this year’s edition on a serious skid — after missing the cut in four consecutive events, including The Masters and THE PLAYERS Championship, his fantasy stock might be lower than it’s been in years. That said, Furyk has demonstrated a knack for success at this event, so you shouldn’t rule him out completely.
Furyk’s track record at the U.S. Open speaks for itself: 19-for-22 with a win, three runner-ups, seven top 10s and 11 top 25s. His most recent success was a tie for second at last year’s event, where he overcame his sluggish form to shoot a Sunday 66 at Oakmont. He’ll have a chance to turn a similar trick in a couple of weeks at Erin Hills, though it’s fair to note that the unfamiliar layout may give him some trouble. Still, Furyk knows what the USGA likes to do to its major venues, and that kind of experience can be invaluable on a Sunday afternoon.
He might not be hitting it all that well at the moment, but that’s precisely what makes Furyk a sleeper pick for the U.S. Open. He’s got more experience than just about anyone, so count him out at your own risk.