The Dark Horses of 2019 US Open Golf Tournament
The Dark Horses of 2019 US Open Golf Tournament
The 2019 US Open golf tournament was a thrilling event that pitted a mix of seasoned professionals and unexpected contenders against one another. While the usual top names like Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth always draw attention, it's the lesser-known golfers that often capture the imagination of golf fans. Here, we present the top five dark horses who showed potential to surprise and delight at the 2019 US Open golf tournament.
1. Adam Scott
Background: Adam Scott is a former world No. 1 who has experienced success in major tournaments in the past, particularly in the 2013 Open Championship. However, he has not been in top form in recent years and this event provided him with a platform to remind the golfing world of his capabilities.
Why He’s a Dark Horse: Despite his current rankings, Adam Scott's ability to handle the pressure of major tournaments is well-known. Being a two-time major winner, he is no stranger to testing courses like those seen in the US Open. His fitness and mental strength over the course of a 72-hole tournament could be his greatest asset. His return to the spotlight could very well come in 2019.
2. Ryan Moore
Background: Ryan Moore is a professional golfer who took home his first PGA Tour victory in a dramatic play-off in 2012. Since then, he has remained one of the more consistent players on the PGA Tour, but has yet to claim a major title.
Why He’s a Dark Horse: Ryan Moore’s experience in play-offs and his ability to perform under intense pressure make him a compelling dark horse. While the US Open may often reward those who are long and powerful off the tee, Moore’s strength lies in his mental fortitude. His ability to execute under pressure has not gone unnoticed, and there is a growing belief that a victory at the US Open could be in the cards.
3. Hideki Matsuyama
Background: Hideki Matsuyama, the first-ever Japanese player to win a major, has consistently performed well on the US PGA Tour. With his powerful and accurate drives, Matsuyama is often seen as one of the game's most promising talents.
Why He’s a Dark Horse: Matsuyama is known for his consistent play and his ability to handle the pressure of high-stakes tournaments. His style of play, which emphasizes precision and control over power, often fits well with the layout of the US Open. His home advantage as a foreigner in Japan might give him an edge in a challenging environment like Shinnecock Hills. Likely to be among the tournament favorites, it is worth watching his performance during the US Open.
4. Jason Kokrak
Background: Jason Kokrak is an American golfer who has had a sporadic career including a competitive win at the 2014 Bridgestone Invitational. He made the cut in all four of the major tournaments in 2019, but his performance in these events did not secure him a spot in the final field.
Why He’s a Dark Horse: Jason Kokrak, much like others in this list, has shown flashes of brilliance but is consistently overshadowed by more established stars. His ability to navigate tough courses and his adeptness at putting make him a formidable opponent. Despite not having a major win to his name, his consistency and focus could very well lead him to take a victory lap at the US Open.
5. Emiliano Grillo
Background: Emiliano Grillo, the 2018 Open Champion, is an Argentine professional golfer with a thriving European Tour career. While he has established himself as a formidable player, the US Open remains one of the few major tournaments he hasn't yet contested.
Why He’s a Dark Horse: Grillo's success in the Open Championship is a testament to his skill and determination. His ability to compete at the highest level on foreign soil is a significant advantage for the US Open. With a strong game and a recent major victory to his name, the 2019 US Open could be just the stage where Grillo’s career starts to take off internationally.
Conclusion: While the 2019 US Open saw many established professionals defending their titles, it was these dark horses who caught the eye with their performances. Adam Scott, Ryan Moore, Hideki Matsuyama, Jason Kokrak, and Emiliano Grillo each brought a compelling argument for why they might upset the tournament standings. Keep an eye out for these players to see if they can add to their tallies of success.
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