US Open Golf Trends

The season’s third major starts on Thursday at Pebble Beach. Although the US Open visits a different venue each year the USGA have a blueprint on how they want the course set up. Often much tougher than a regular PGA Tour event, the major brings its own unique challenges.

Here are the trends needed to win regardless of venue:

Top-60 on tour for all around ranking
US Open courses are a challenge, testing every facet of a golfer’s game. It wasn’t long ago that the USGA stated they wanted the winning score to be level-par. The cream usually rises to the top; each of the last eleven champions were in the top-60 for the tour’s all-around ranking.

Top-60 on tour for adjusted scoring average
The last four champions, Brooks Koepka (twice), Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth finished the season ranked 9th, 14th, first and first for adjusted scoring average. It’s a trend that has persisted over the years.

Top-70 on tour for birdie average
In the last eleven years each winner has ranked in the top-70 on tour for birdie average. Players are certain to make bogeys this week and those able to cancel them out with birdies will obviously stand a better chance.

Top-70 on tour strokes gained tee to green
Ten of the last eleven champions ranked inside the top-70 on tour for strokes gained tee-to-green. You have to strike it well to win a US Open.

Top-70 on tour for birdie conversion
On a tough course birdie opportunities are few and far between. To win a US Open you have to convert your chances. The last eleven winners all ranked inside the top-70 on tour for this metric, Koepka ranked tenth last year and second in 2017.

Top-70 on tour for strokes gained with approaches
The one category Koepka didn’t qualify in 2017 but did last year. US Open venues have demanded winners gained strokes on the field with their approaches.

Top-60 on tour for strokes gained off the tee
Pebble Beach isn’t a long course but you need to play from the right areas; you still have to drive it well to succeed.

Players that fit all seven trends:
Adam Scott
Brooks Koepka
Bryson DeChambeau
Byeong Hun An
Dustin Johnson
Gary Woodland
Hideki Matsuyama
Jason Kokrak
Justin Rose
Justin Thomas
Matt Kuchar
Patrick Cantlay
Rickie Fowler
Rory McIlroy
Ryan Palmer
Scott Piercy
Tony Finau
Xander Schauffele