US Open 2017: 10 bold predictions

9. Bryson DeChambeau finishes in the top 15

The 2017 PGA Tour season has been one to forget thus far for Bryson DeChambeau. Known largely for his quirks in his game and approach — most notably his clubs that are all the same length — he showed flashes last season of a promising career. So far this season, however, that’s been far from the outcome. Frankly, DeChambeau has been struggling immensely through the first half of 2017.

Sure, the SMU product had a tied-second finish at the Puerto Rico Open. However, that’s been far from the norm. The 23-year old has been cut in 13 of the 20 events that he’s played in to this point in the season. Whenever you’re getting cut from over half of the tournaments you’re in, that’s not ideal entering a major championship.

However, there are a couple of factors working in favor of DeChambeau heading into the 2017 US Open. First of all, he played well in the sectional qualifiers to make it into the field. That’s a strong indication that his level of play might be steadying. Secondly, though (and perhaps more importantly), DeChambeau has a level of familiarity with Erin Hills.

DeChambeau played at the course at the 2011 US Amateur, making it to the match play portion of the proceedings. With so few players having experience on the course, that could come in handy as he has at least some first-hand knowledge about how to approach it. Thus, I think he comes up big with one of his best showings of the year.