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

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HARTFORD, WI – JUNE 18: Justin Thomas of the United States plays his shot from the first tee during the final round of the 2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills on June 18, 2017 in Hartford, Wisconsin. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Justin Thomas got to enjoy all four weeks at the top of the world rankings. Now, he’s got work to do to overtake Dustin Johnson who was a winner last week in Memphis.

You certainly don’t need a mathematical ranking formula to tell you that JT is playing well. The 25-year-old hasn’t finished outside of the top 25 in an event since the fall.

He’s won twice on the PGA Tour’s wraparound schedule, one in South Korea and the other at the Honda Classic. He was also runner-up at the WGC-Mexico thanks to his hole-out eagle on the 72nd hole, advanced to the WGC-Match Play semifinals and was inside the top 20 at the Masters and the PLAYERS.

Thomas and Rickie Fowler stopped by Shinnecock last summer and shot 65s in a practice round, though they were eager to admit they weren’t getting the full experience of what’s to come this week.

The 2017 PGA Champion has made nine cuts in 11 starts in the majors. Four of his last five have resulted T22 or better.

He’s 16th in strokes gained off the tee and seventh approaching the green. Thomas is second in sticking it tight from the fairway and 36th in SG putting. Unofficially, he just seems to make a lot of big putts.

Of the big hitters, I think I might have the most trust in Thomas.

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