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US Open 2017: 10 dark horse golfers to win

By Cody Williams

Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Graeme McDowell thanks the crowd for applauding after making his putt on the 13th hole during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament at Bay Hill Club and Lodge . Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Graeme McDowell thanks the crowd for applauding after making his putt on the 13th hole during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament at Bay Hill Club and Lodge . Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 29, 2017; Avondale, LA, USA; Cameron Smith watches his shot from the rough on the 18th hole during the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament at TPC Louisiana. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2017; Avondale, LA, USA; Cameron Smith watches his shot from the rough on the 18th hole during the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament at TPC Louisiana. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Cameron Smith

Especially considering his recent poor play, Cameron Smith is quite the dark horse. In his last three tournaments (THE PLAYERS, the DEAN & DELUCA and the Memorial), Smith missed the cut twice and finished tied for 65th, respectively. However, the 23-year old Australian has been playing quite well overall in 2017. And given the unknown that Erin Hills offer, he could put forth the type of effort to make a run.

Smith has a win at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a top-10 finish at the Valero Texas Open and had only missed two cuts until his recent run so far this season. For such a young golfer, that shows a lot of quality in his play.

In terms of his play, you have to like what he’s been doing well in terms of the situation that’ll be present at the US Open. With the unknown course, you have to imagine that the greens in regulation numbers throughout the field will be lackluster. However, Smith ranks seventh on the PGA Tour this season in strokes gained around the green. He’s been great at making saves in close, which could be to his benefit in this tournament.

Next: Complete List of U.S. Open Winners

Of course, there is the risk that Smith will crumble under the pressure given his young age. However, I don’t see that wholly being the case. He’s shown tremendous talent thus far in 2017. And he could have a national coming out party this week at the US Open.

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