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2021 U.S. Open: Five Storylines to Watch on Saturday

By Tim Letcher

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 18: Xander Schauffele of the United States plays his shot from the fifth tee during the second round of the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) on June 18, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 18: Xander Schauffele of the United States plays his shot from the fifth tee during the second round of the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course) on June 18, 2021 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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Richard Bland and Russell Henley share the lead at the halfway point of the 2021 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. While those two lead the way, there are nine players within three shots of the lead.

As the event begins the turn for home, there are a number of good stories to watch. Here are five storylines to keep an eye on during play on Saturday.

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Can an unknown like Bland win a major? – He’s halfway home with a share of the lead, so anything is possible. It will be interesting to see how Bland reacts to being in the major championship spotlight on Saturday. If he can get through that and still be in, or near, the lead, then he’s got a realistic shot.

Is this the Henley that we thought we would see 10 years ago? – The former University of Georgia standout had an outstanding start to his PGA Tour career. However, he hasn’t won in nearly four years, so seeing him at the top of the leader board is a bit strange. Still, there has never been any doubt about Henley’s talent. If he can win a major, it would be a huge step in his career.

Which big name can make a run at the lead on Saturday? – There are a number of them inside the Top 10, but the best bet here is Xander Schauffele. After a 69 on Thursday, he shot 71 on Friday to stay in contention. Schauffele seems to always be contending at majors and this just might be his time to win.

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Who could come back from off the pace? – Collin Morikawa shot a sizzling 67 on Friday after a 75 on Thursday. That leaves him at even par but it also shows that he can go low at any point, so don’t count out the California native. And also, don’t forget, he’s already a major champion.

Who finishes better – Bryson DeChambeau or Brooks Koepka? – Both players sit at even par through 36 holes. Wouldn’t it be great if they both made runs to get into contention on Saturday? It would make for quite the storyline between two rivals.

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