Making A Name In The Majors

The US Open has a tendency to allow unknown players to make a name for themselves. Instead of being caught up in the stories about rough thickness, green speed, and overall history and grandeur of the event, there are players who just play what is in front of them.

Beau Hossler led the US Open in 2012 for a brief period. Chez Reavie made a run at the title in 2019, narrowly missing out to Gary Woodland. Richard Bland led last year through 36 holes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by callumtarren (@callumtarren)

Callum Tarren currently sits atop the leader board during his second round at The Country Club, in just his second US Open. A man with only one Top 25 or better in his PGA Tour career so far, he qualified for the major event in Toronto. Having turned pro in 2015, he has a chance to catapult his name into the memories of golfing fans with a strong showing this weekend.

Young South African MJ Daffue sat at -5 at one point today, before finishing with a 72 (after a double bogey on 18) and sitting at -1 through 36. I alluded to the breakthrough names in South African golf last week, demonstrating the wide array of talent coming through the ranks and competing at the top level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Brooks Koepka (@bkoepka)

Now, these players are often filtered out over the weekend to make room for the big boys who have been there and done it countless times. One of which is Brooks Koepka, who stormed into contention after a Friday 67, showing signs of peak Major Koepka. A man who has been beaten by only four golfers over the last four US Opens.

Perhaps with all the focus on the bigger names in golf, especially those who have already had decorated careers moving over to LIV, it is time to focus on the next wave of players, particularly the lesser-known golfer who has been battling through Kron ferry Qualifying and fighting for a place in the major championships like this one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mito Pereira (@mito_pereira)

Mito Pereira offered a refreshing new name on the leader board at the PGA, almost securing the trophy save for a poor swing on the 72^nd hole. The names mentioned above are more than capable of playing golf at the highest level, as the difference between the top of the Korn Ferry and the top of the PGA is becoming harder to differentiate.

Cover Image Via Golf.com