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US Open 2017: 5 things we learned

By Akash Anavarathan

Jun 18, 2017; Erin, WI, USA; Brooks Koepka celebrate after sinking his put on the 18th green during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Erin Hills. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2017; Erin, WI, USA; Brooks Koepka celebrate after sinking his put on the 18th green during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Erin Hills. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 18, 2017; Erin, WI, USA; Justin Thomas waves to the gallery after his putt on the ninth green during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Erin Hills. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2017; Erin, WI, USA; Justin Thomas waves to the gallery after his putt on the ninth green during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Erin Hills. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Justin Thomas has a chance to be the next big thing in Golf

This isn’t some knee-jerk reaction to watching Justin Thomas demolish Erin Hills on Saturday. The 24-year-old was absolutely dominant on the course on Day 3, when he shot a 63. Thomas was in search of his first major championship, like many atop the leaderboard heading into Sunday.

Things didn’t go as he would have hoped for, as he shot his worst round of the tournament at +3 and finished the US Open tied for ninth place. But his play on Saturday gave a little insight into the potential that Justin Thomas possesses.

On Saturday, Thomas broke US Open history, setting the record for the lowest score in a single round. It was a record that was last set in 1973, when Johnny Miller did so at Oakmont Country Club. It was Thomas’ clutch eagle putt on the par-5 18th hole that helped him set the record.

It was by far Thomas’ best major finish in his career, since he turned professional in 2013. He won his third PGA Tour event in 2017 and had a fantastic round in the US Open. Although he couldn’t carry the momentum into Sunday, the 24-year-old has great upside.

Look for Justin Thomas to be an important figure in upcoming majors and continue to be in the contention for winning the event. US Open consistently has the most difficult courses — so if Thomas can do this here, the sky is the limit for the young man.

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