Major Power Rankings: U.S. Open Rankings

Major Power Rankings: U.S. Open Rankings

This article is part of our Major Power Rankings series.

Below are our 2015 U.S. Open rankings. This list is geared toward winner-take-all leagues and leagues that reward the lowest aggregate score, but it can serve other leagues as well, no matter the nuances. Check the comments section for golfers who are scratched.

FAVORITES

1. Rory McIlroy
Note: World No. 1 is seeking second U.S. Open title, has the bonus of a links course that requires length
2. Jordan Spieth
Note: 21-year-old Masters champ could be first since Tiger Woods in 2002 to sweep year's first two majors
3. Dustin Johnson
Note: Withdrew last Thursday due to flu but if healthy is a strong contender to win first major
4. Justin Rose
Note: Red hot with a runner-up at the Masters, win at the Zurich Classic, runner-up at the Memorial
5. Phil Mickelson
Note: Six runner-up finishes at U.S. Open. Chambers Bay fits his long ball and creativity around greens
6. Rickie Fowler
Note: Fresh of a win at The Players, Fowler's next step is claiming a major after top-5s in every major last year
7. Henrik Stenson
Note: Swedish star has world class game to contend anywhere, but links course more than suits his fancy

CONTENDERS

8. Bubba Watson
Note: Immensely long with creative eye has its advantages at Chambers Bay, but needs to putt well to contend
9. Jason Day
Note: Missing cut at last two starts (Players, Memorial) casts shadow on chances, but has traits to compete
10. Sergio Garcia
Note: Coming off playoff loss at The
Below are our 2015 U.S. Open rankings. This list is geared toward winner-take-all leagues and leagues that reward the lowest aggregate score, but it can serve other leagues as well, no matter the nuances. Check the comments section for golfers who are scratched.

FAVORITES

1. Rory McIlroy
Note: World No. 1 is seeking second U.S. Open title, has the bonus of a links course that requires length
2. Jordan Spieth
Note: 21-year-old Masters champ could be first since Tiger Woods in 2002 to sweep year's first two majors
3. Dustin Johnson
Note: Withdrew last Thursday due to flu but if healthy is a strong contender to win first major
4. Justin Rose
Note: Red hot with a runner-up at the Masters, win at the Zurich Classic, runner-up at the Memorial
5. Phil Mickelson
Note: Six runner-up finishes at U.S. Open. Chambers Bay fits his long ball and creativity around greens
6. Rickie Fowler
Note: Fresh of a win at The Players, Fowler's next step is claiming a major after top-5s in every major last year
7. Henrik Stenson
Note: Swedish star has world class game to contend anywhere, but links course more than suits his fancy

CONTENDERS

8. Bubba Watson
Note: Immensely long with creative eye has its advantages at Chambers Bay, but needs to putt well to contend
9. Jason Day
Note: Missing cut at last two starts (Players, Memorial) casts shadow on chances, but has traits to compete
10. Sergio Garcia
Note: Coming off playoff loss at The Players, enters with form and has always favored British-style courses like Chambers Bay where ballstriking is critical
11. Hideki Matsuyama
Note: Patient player with incredible ballstriking, in solid form, could easily find the leaderboard Sunday
12. Adam Scott
Note: Struggled transitioning to short putter with one top-10; still great but putting needs to improve dramatically
13. Jimmy Walker
Note: Top 10 at last year's U.S. Open in breakout season; more success in 2015 with two wins, in good form
14. Jim Furyk
Note: Typically a U.S. Open contender, but Chambers Bay isn't typical U.S. Open setup; should still be solid
15. Martin Kaymer
Note: Defending U.S. Open champion will look to repeat last year's eight-shot trouncing
16. Matt Kuchar
Note: Has shown only mediocre results in 2015. Only thing left off Kuchar's resume is a major championship
17. Patrick Reed
Note: Played in 2010 U.S. Amateur at Chambers Bay, only a matter of time before he contends at a major
18. Tiger Woods
Note: On the heels of career-worst 85 Saturday at the Memorial Tournament, Woods' game is a shambles but he's still capable of making the U.S. Open cut and more
19. Brandt Snedeker
Note: Won at Pebble Beach earlier in the year, but may struggle at the lengthy Chambers Bay layout
20. Billy Horschel
Note: Top 5 at 2013 U.S. Open, starting to turn his game around in 2015 after a 2014 FedEx Cup triumph
21. Brooks Koepka
Note: Among the longest hitters on Tour, in good form, darkhorse to win if only his short game holds up
22. Paul Casey
Note: Long, solid tee-to-green, would love nothing more than to revive career turnaround with major win
23. Keegan Bradley
Note: Trending well since April, has the length to get in the mix and improve last year's top-5 at U.S. Open
24. Lee Westwood
Note: Missed the cut at last year's U.S. Open, but otherwise has strong U.S. Open record

IN THE HUNT

25. Zach Johnson
Note: Has never contended at U.S. Open and likely will be outsized by the massive Chambers Bay
26. Ryan Moore
Note: Hometown favorite from nearby Tacoma will have plenty of support and hopefully rally to get in the mix
27. Byeong-Hun An
Note: Won BMW PGA champion by six strokes and played in the U.S. Amateur at Chambers Bay
28. Hunter Mahan
Note: Made two final groups in 2013 majors, top 10 at this years Masters; could contend if short game is sharp
29. Graeme McDowell
Note: 2010 U.S. Open champ has been off the radar but as an Irishman will look forward to links-style layout
30. Louis Oosthuizen
Note: Playing with Tiger and Fowler, 2010 British Open champ will have to overcome crowds and a nagging neck injury
31. J.B. Holmes
Note: Won the Houston Open in a playoff and has plenty of distance to tame the lengthy course
32. Webb Simpson
Note: 2012 U.S. Open champ missed the cut last week but was runner-up at Quail Hollow prior to that
33. Jason Dufner
Note: Sowly turned game around last couple months following divorcee; needs to putt well to have a chance
34. Kevin Kisner
Note: Lost in playoffs at The Players Championship and RBC Heritage
35. Luke Donald
Note: Struggled this season with one top-10, likely will run into problems due lack of distance off tee
36. Ian Poulter
Note: In solid form, a fan of links layouts, short game needs to shine to find the leaderboard Sunday
37. Bill Haas
Note: Finished fourth at The Players a month ago; has never really contended at majors in his 11 year career
38. Chris Kirk
Note: Won at Colonial a few weeks ago; best major finish is a T19 at the 2014 British Open
39. Kevin Na
Note: T12 at last year's U.S. Open, on a hot streak of eight straight top-20s in strokeplay events dating to March
40. Ryan Palmer
Note: Has made just 1 of 5 cuts at the U.S. Open, likely due to an underwhelming short game
41. Gary Woodland
Note: Runner-up to Rory McIlroy in WGC-Matchplay, plenty long. Only questions are scramble ability, patience
42. Francesco Molinari
Note: Contended at both the BMW PGA Championship and Memorial Tournament the last month
43. Jamie Donaldson
Note: Clinched the Ryder Cup for Europe last year and was top 10 at The Players a month ago
44. Marc Leishman
Note: Missed the Masters due to wife's illness but has since racked up five top-30 efforts in six events
45. Shane Lowry
Note: Irishman has recently played more events on the PGA Tour but is a solid on links courses

NEED A FEW BREAKS

46. Danny Willett
Note: Was T45 in his first U.S. Open last year but not a threat to win
47. Charl Schwartzel
Note: Missed last year's cut but has a decent record at U.S. Open and links-style courses, so could surprise
48. Charley Hoffman
Note: Top 10 at the Masters and has contended multiple other times this season, winning the OHL Classic
49. Brendon Todd
Note: Rode a hot streak last year to post a U.S. Open top-20 but in much lesser form heading in this year
50. Russell Henley
Note: Has been in OK form recently but hasn't contended since April
51. Victor Dubuisson
Note: Nicknamed "Golden Hands" for his short game prowess, notched two top-10s in majors last year
52. Ernie Els
Note: Struggled to make cuts this season but does have three U.S. Open top-10s the last five years
53. Alexander Noren
Note: Swede won the Nordea Masters a couple weeks ago; best major finish was a T9 at the 2012 British Open
54. Bernd Wiesberger
Note: Top-60 player in the world, in the final group at the 2014 PGA Championship, finishing T15
55. George McNeill
Note: Qualified in Columbus, Ohio, with rounds of 70-66; has never contended in a major
56. Brian Harman
Note: Won his first PGA Tour event at the John Deere Classic in 2014
57. Branden Grace
Note: Third U.S. Open start after winning the Qatar Masters in January
58. Ben Martin
Note: Won the 2014 Shriners Open and has three other top-10s this season
59. Robert Streb
Note: Won McGladrey Classic last fall en route to great start to season; enters with three straight top-20s
60. Tommy Fleetwood
Note: Maiden European Tour victory at 2013 Johnnie Walker; recently a quarterfinalist at WGC-Matchplay
61. Tony Finau
Note: Among tour's longest hitters, qualified for his first U.S. Open with rounds of 66-67 in Springfield, Ohio
62. Angel Cabrera
Note: 2007 U.S. Open champ has two career majors, could surprise as underdog in pairing with Bubba and Phil
63. John Senden
Note: Solid tee-to-green game but needs to vastly improve short game from many runoff areas of Chambers Bay to contend
64. Miguel Angel Jimenez
Note: First over 50 player to win on European Tour in 2014; runner-up at 2015 BMW PGA Championship
65. Cameron Tringale
Note: Contended at the 2015 Zurich Classic and competing in second U.S. Open
66. Geoff Ogilvy
Note: Eight PGA Tour wins including the 2006 U.S. Open
67. Joost Luiten
Note: Has four European Tour victories, his last the 2014 ISPS Handa Wales Open
68. Matt Every
Note: Defended his title at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill for his second PGA Tour win
69. Bo Van Pelt
Note: Making his ninth start at the U.S. Open, best finish is a T14 in 2011
70. Erik Compton
Note: Two-time heart transplant recipient delighted fans to a distant runner-up at last year's U.S. Open
71. Marc Warren
Note: Three European Tour wins, including one last year to jump into the top-60 world rankings
72. David Hearn
Note: Shot a 11-under 133 to qualify in Columbus, Ohio. Lost in playoff to Spieth at 2013 John Deere Classic
73. Michael Putnam
Note: Grew up stone's throw from Chambers Bay; on bag is brother Joel, a year-round caddy at Chambers Bay
74. Retief Goosen
Note: Two-time U.S. Open champ from 2001 and 2004
75. Stephen Gallacher
Note: Back-to-back titles at the 2013 and 2014 Dubai Desert Classic; three total European Tour wins
76. Thongchai Jaidee
Note: Runner-up effort at the recent BMW PGA Championship
77. George Coetzee
Note: Won the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open last month on the European Tour

LONG SHOTS

78. Danny Lee
Note: Claimed 2008 U.S. Amateur as a 18 year old; now 24, Lee will look to make a major cut for the first time
79. Alexander Levy
Note: First U.S. Open start after earning medalist honors at Walton Heath sectional qualifier in England
80. Lucas Glover
Note: 2009 U.S. Open champ was fourth player to win U.S. Open after earning spot via sectional qualifying
81. Daniel Summerhays
Note: Qualified in Columbus, Ohio., sectional; first amateur to win on the Web.com Tour in 2007
82. Ryo Ishikawa
Note: The "Bashful Prince" owns 11 Japan Golf Tour wins, his first at the ripe age of 15
83. Morgan Hoffmann
Note: Lost to 2010 U.S. Amateur champ Peter Uihlein in quarterfinals at Chambers Bay; 36-hole leader at Bay Hill this year
84. Andy Sullivan
Note: Collected first two European Tour victories in 2015, winning South African Open, Joburg Open
85. Thomas Aiken
Note: Shot 71-68 in sectional qualifier at Walton Heath Golf Club in England to earn his spot in the U.S. Open
86. Camilo Villegas
Note: Four PGA Tour wins, his last the 2014 Wyndham Championship
87. Marcel Siem
Note: Five worldwide wins, most recently the 2014 BMW Masters
88. Anirban Lahiri
Note: Won 2015 Hero Indian Open to slip inside top-60 of the world rankings; making first U.S. Open start
89. Bryson DeChambeau
Note: Won 2015 NCAA individual title
90. Kevin Chappell
Note: Earned two top-10s at the U.S. Open in 2011 and 2012
91. Cheng-Tsung Pan
Note: Making pro debut at Chambers Bay; Earned medalist honors at Tumble Creek G.C. in Cle Elum, Wash.
92. Billy Hurley III
Note: Former U.S. Navy Lieutenant shot 6-under 138 at sectional qualifier at Woodmont C.C.
93. Cameron Smith
Note: Posted 8-under 136 at Columbus, Ohio, sectional qualifier to make first U.S. Open start
94. Blayne Barber
Note: Shared medalist honors at Memphis sectional to earn spot in U.S. Open
95. Andres Romero
Note: Holds four career top-10s at majors and one PGA Tour win in 2008
96. Roberto Castro
Note: Edged his brother Franco to earn last spot out of Ball Ground, GA. Looking to make first cut at U.S. Open
97. Charlie Beljan
Note: Survived panic attack and went on to win 2012 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic
98. Brad Fritsch
Note: Shot 8-under 136 at the Columbus, Ohio, sectional to make his second U.S. Open appearance
99. Jamie Lovemark
Note: Qualified for his first U.S. Open by shooting a 2-under 139 at the Purchase, N.Y. sectional
100. Matthew NeSmith
Note: Shot 63-64 in Ball Ground, Ga., sectional to post lowest 36-hole qualifying score in all 12 sites
101. Brandon Hagy
Note: Shot 8-under 134 at Memphis sectional to earn first U.S. Open berth
102. Cody Gribble
Note: Shot 67-67 at Northwood Club to qualify for second U.S. Open. Former Texas state champ, college team champ
103. Richard Lee
Note: Returned nine months after thumb surgery to earn spot via Cle Elum, Wash. sectional
104. Darren Clarke
Note: Qualified on the heels of his 2011 British Open triumph
105. D.A. Points
Note: Has two PGA Tour victories but has never cracked the U.S Open top-60 in five starts
106. Marcus Fraser
Note: Shot 69-70 in sectional qualifier at Walton Heath qualifier in England
107. Garth Mulroy
Note: Shot 73-66 at Walton Heath international sectional qualifier in England
108. Sam Saunders
Note: Has made 8 of 19 cuts on PGA Tour this season, including runner-up at Puerto Rico Open in March
109. John Parry
Note: Making second U.S. Open start after tying for 28th in his debut in 2013
110. Tom Hoge
Note: Qualified via Memphis sectional; also qualified for 2010 U.S. Amateur at Chambers Bay
111. Steve Marino
Note: Survived three-man playoff for the first-alternate spot in Dallas
112. Wen-Chong Liang
Note: Second Chinese golfer to qualify for the U.S. Open, behind 14-year-old Andy Zhang in 2012
113. Lee McCoy
Note: Shot 65-66 at Ball Ground, GA to qualify for first U.S. Open
114. Sam Horsfield
Note: Won the 2013 Florida State Amateur by 11 strokes
115. Beau Hossler
Note: Held the outright lead in the second round of the 2012 U.S. Open at The Olympic Club as a 17 year old
116. Ollie Schniederjans
Note: Recipient of 2014 Mark H. McCormack Medal for being No. 1 in World Amateur Golf Ranking
117. Lucas Bjerregaard
Note: Shot 67-70 in sectional qualifier at Walton Heath Golf Club in England to earn a second consecutive spot in the U.S. Open
118. Colin Montgomerie
Note: Won U.S. Senior Open and Senior PGA Championship in 2014; holds 45 professional wins worldwide
119. Lee Janzen
Note: Two-time U.S. Open champion will be appearing in his 20th career U.S. Open
120. Sebastian Cappelen
Note: Won the 2014 Air Capital Classic on the Web.com Tour after narrowly Monday qualifying for the event
121. Brad Elder
Note: Played in the 2000 and 2003 U.S. Opens; making third U.S. Open start 12 years after his last start
122. Andy Pope
Note: Shared medalist honors with five-time PGA Tour winner Luke Donald in Jupiter, FL
123. Hiroyuki Fujita
Note: Playing in the U.S. Open for the fifth time in six years, his best finish a T51 in 2012
124. Seuk-Hyun Baek
Note: Competing in first major; Lost 2014 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters to Anirban Lahiri by one stroke
125. Masahiro Kawamura
Note: Won the 2013 Asia-Pacific Panasonic Open on the Japan Golf Tour
126. Jason Allred
Note: Contended for 2014 Northern Trust Open, tying for third
127. Jack Maguire
Note: Shot 70-70 at The Bear's Club in Jupiter, FA to qualify
128. Denny McCarthy
Note: Qualified for first U.S. Open with 6-under 138 at Woodmont Country Club's North Course in Rockville, Md.
129. Kyle Jones
Note: Shot 65-69 in sectional qualifying at Northwood Club in Dallas to earn spot; Senior at Baylor
130. Davis Riley
Note: Runner-up at 2013 and 2014 U.S. Junior Amateurs
131. Brian Campbell
Note: Shot 6-under 137 at Newport Beach to earn second consecutive U.S. Open berth
132. Troy Kelly
Note: Runner-up to Ted Potter at 2012 Greenbrier Classic on PGA Tour; Washington native
133. Nick Hardy
Note: Carded 68-66 at the Springfield, OH sectional qualifier
134. Matt Mabrey
Note: Making professional debut at U.S. Open after qualifying with 67-67 in Dallas
135. Tjaart Van Der Walt
Note: Played in 2004 British Open and making second major appearance
136. Jared Becher
Note: 7-under 136 at Newport Beach, Calif., sectional to earn first U.S. Open start; assistant pro in Reno
137. Rich Berberian, Jr.
Note: Assistant pro at Windham (N.H.) Country Club qualified out of Purchase, NY sectional
138. Pat Wilson
Note: Won 2013 Met Golf Association Amateur after playing at St. Johns and Susquehanna Universities
139. Alex Kim
Note: Lost to Byeong-Hun An in round of 32 in 2010 U.S. Amateur at Chambers Bay
140. Gunn Yang
Note: Won 2014 U.S. Amateur and recently played in 2015 Masters
141. Jake Knapp
Note: UCLA golfer qualified via Newport Beach, Calif., sectional
142. Tim O'Neal
Note: Qualified for his first U.S. Open by shooting 69-73 in sectional qualifying at Woodmont Country Club
143. Stephan Jaeger
Note: Only golfer to claim Southern Conference Player of the Year three times
144. Josh Persons
Note: First alternate from Rockville, Md., sectional
145. Michael Davan
Note: Played college golf at IUPUI; Summit League Player of the Year for 2011-12
146. Kevin Lucas
Note: Shot a 9-under 134 to earn medalist honors at the Newport Beach, Calif., sectional
147. Tyler Duncan
Note: Has made 5 of 11 cuts on Web.com Tour in 2015; qualified out of Memphis sectional
148. Kurt Barnes
Note: Won 2002 Australian Amateur and 2003 New Zealand Amateur Stroke Play Championship
149. Jimmy Gunn
Note: Avid fisherman edged PGA Tour player J.J. Henry in a playoff for the first-alternate spot at Memphis
150. Mark Silvers
Note: Chambers Bay will be his second U.S. Open, after he qualified for Pebble Beach in 2010
151. Jason Palmer
Note: Won Foshan Open in 2014 on the European Challenge Tour; chips one-handed
152. Shunsuke Sonoda
Note: First alternate from Japan international sectional
153. Oliver Farr
Note: First alternate at Walton Heath international sectional in England
154. Shiv Kapur
Note: Won individual gold medal at 2002 Asian Games
155. Cole Hammer
Note: Just 15 years of age, Hammer will become the third youngest to tee it up in the U.S. Open
156. Bradley Neil
Note: Claimed the 2014 British Amateur title at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Riek
Michael is the 2016 FSWA Golf Writer of the Year winner. He is a former collegiate golfer with a passion for analytics and strategy.
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