U.S. Open: Top five sleeper rankings at Erin Hills

Dark horses and sleeper candidates litter the U.S. Open field once again in 2017

One of the best things about the U.S. Open each year is the, well, openness of the field. Amateurs from all over the world make it their life’s goal just to qualify. Professionals who haven’t otherwise made the field join the ranks of “regular” folks in regional qualifiers in the midst of their already stacked schedules. All in the search of etching their names in the history of America’s national championship.

So many of the names in this tournament’s history are truly legends of golf. From Gene Sarazen to Byron Nelson, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods, golf’s toughest test is a proving ground for the game’s greatest players. However, when you get past the biggest names in the field, there’s still plenty of room for a “surprise” champion. Just ask Andy North (1978, 1985), Angel Cabrera (2007) or Lucas Glover (2009). All fine golfers in their own right, but far from the biggest stars in the sport.

As usual with our sleeper picks, these players are all currently outside the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking, and none have won yet in 2017. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top dark horses for the year’s second major.