Pro Golf Now
Fansided

U.S. Open Power Rankings: Top 10 contenders at Shinnecock Hills

By Mike Randleman

The clubhouse during the final round of the 2004 U. S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, June 20, 2004. Scenic Golf (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
The clubhouse during the final round of the 2004 U. S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, June 20, 2004. Scenic Golf (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
HARTFORD, WI – JUNE 13: Jason Day of Australia speaks at a press conference during a practice round prior to the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills on June 13, 2017 in Hartford, Wisconsin. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
HARTFORD, WI – JUNE 13: Jason Day of Australia speaks at a press conference during a practice round prior to the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills on June 13, 2017 in Hartford, Wisconsin. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images) /

Last year is looking more and more like just a blip on the radar for Jason Day. The major champion is peaking at the right time in quest of his first U.S. Open.

The Aussie has two quality wins this year at major-caliber venues Torrey Pines and Quail Hollow. He was also T20 at Augusta, T2 at Pebble Beach and T5 at TPC Sawgrass. Day has stepped up to the plate at the right times this year and is consistent as can be.

Day has made 12 cuts in a row worldwide dating back to last summer and 20 of 21 cuts in majors since 2011.

His win at the 2015 PGA Championship highlights in the majors three runners up and eight more top-10s. Day has placed T32 or better in 23 of 30 career starts in majors.

Day’s style of play embodies the relatively precise and long hitters that are popular this week.

Day is 15th in strokes gained off the tee and is relatively smart on when to dial it back and being capable of threading the needle when it’s time to bomb away. His iron play could be better, but being the top-ranked putter cures a lot of ails.

I’ll never forget the short game display he put on in the background of Rory McIlroy’s 2011 U.S. Open win. Those skills haven’t left him as he’s third in strokes gained around the green.

Home/US Open