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US Open 2017: 10 bold predictions

By Cody Williams

Mar 12, 2017; Palm Harbor, FL, USA; Bryson DeChambeau tees off on the 16th green during the final round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament at Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2017; Palm Harbor, FL, USA; Bryson DeChambeau tees off on the 16th green during the final round of the Valspar Championship golf tournament at Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 19, 2017; Irving, TX, USA; Byeong Hun An watches his tee shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at TPC Four Seasons Resort – Las Colinas. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
May 19, 2017; Irving, TX, USA; Byeong Hun An watches his tee shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament at TPC Four Seasons Resort – Las Colinas. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Byeong-Hun An leads after going into weekend

Despite the fact that he’s only ranked 82nd in the FedEx Cup standings coming into the 2017 US Open, there aren’t many golfers playing as consistently well as Byeong-Hun An coming into Erin Hills. The 25-year old South Korean has made the cut in 14 of the 15 events that he’s played this season, which is impressive in itself. However, what’s working even more in his favor is how well he’s been playing as of late.

In his last three tournaments, An has registered a top-five finish, another top-10 finish, and a top-25 finish. That’s pretty incredible in terms of both consistency and top-end performance. He’s playing like one of the best players in the world right now, even if he doesn’t necessarily have that pedigree overall throughout his young career.

Given that An is also a big hitter off the tee (35th this season in driving distance) in addition to having great prowess and ball-striking with his approach, he’s going to make some noise. In fact, I expect him to go into the weekend as the leader at the 2017 US Open. Ultimately, I think a more talented player is going to walk away as the champion. But An will be in contention to win his first major, even if he’s not a name that many fans — especially the casual ones who only watch the majors — are familiar with.

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