Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 10
Next
Apr 13, 2017; Hilton Head, SC, USA; Russell Henley reacts after the putt on the green on the ninth hole during the first round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament at Harbour Town Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2017; Hilton Head, SC, USA; Russell Henley reacts after the putt on the green on the ninth hole during the first round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament at Harbour Town Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Russell Henley

Since turning pro in 2011, Russell Henley has never had more than one win in a PGA Tour season. Winning the 2017 US Open would change that as he’s already won this year, taking home the Shell Houston Open earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Henley also has two other top-10 finishes this season to his credit. What’s more,he enters the tournament ranked 18th in the FedEx Cup, which would be the highest finish of his career if the season ended today.

The point of that is to say that Henley is currently playing the best golf of his career. What’s critical to look at when you look at Henley’s 2017 is how he’s played this season and made his bones. He ranks 40th overall in strokes gained: tee-to-green. However, he’s in the top 30 in terms of strokes gained off the tee and 14th on the PGA Tour in strokes gained with his putter.

If Henley can come into the US Open and both stay consistent and accurate off the tee and be clinical with the putter, he should be able to attack Erin Hills. Being able to attack this course at all is going to be a severe advantage for anyone able to do so. With a lack of knowledge regarding the course for most players, that kind of aggressive pay with positive results could result in a win for the 28-year old.

Home/US Open Golf