U.S. Open: Who will be low amateur at Erin Hills?
A strong batch of amateurs are assembled at Erin Hills. Who will go the lowest and claim the low amateur medal?
Five amateurs have won the U.S. Open, but none since 1933 and none in any other majors in the modern era. My #HotTake is that an amateur will win a major in the next 10 years, but I don’t think it’ll be this week.
You can even argue that a new U.S. Open course, the lengthy Erin Hills, could put an inexperienced bomber on a more level playing field. The advantage a wily vet has at classic venues like Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines is negated.
Don’t be surprised to see an amateur or two have to say “no” to a fat paycheck on Sunday. The MacCormack Medal race should be a competitive one, but I don’t see a can’t-miss-kid who is ready to vindicate my decade-long prediction overnight.
Let’s get down to deciding who of the 14 will earn the right to awkwardly stand off to the side while the U.S. Open champion is crowned!