Share

First-timers to continue streak at US Open?

Erin - With the past six major golf championships won by first-timers, could there be a magnificent seventh at the US Open? 

Ever since Jason Day lifted the PGA Championship in 2015, the majors have been shared by players who had never won a major before. 

Danny Willett's 2016 Masters victory was followed by Dustin Johnson's maiden triumph at the US Open at Oakmont. 

Sweden's Henrik Stenson then landed his breakthrough major at the British Open before Jimmy Walker closed out 2016 with the PGA Championship. 

The streak continued at the Masters this year, when Sergio Garcia's long wait for a first major ended with a playoff win over Justin Rose. 

Stenson believes the slew of first-time winners reflect the fiercely competitive health of men's golf.

"I think the competition on a weekly basis is so tight out there and so tough," Stenson said Monday after studying the course at Erin Hills, venue for this week's US Open, which tees off on Thursday. 

"It's so many players in the field that can win," the world number six added. 

Stenson is uncertain whether the recent streak will continue, or whether the crop of first-timers will go on to become second or third-time winners. 

But he agreed with the suggestion that first-time winners were inspiring other players to dream of victory. 

"There could be something in that," he said. "A lot of times you see that. If I go back to Sweden, I'm sure that success is kind of pushing on more success. We've seen that within countries, for sure.

"It might be the case as well that you say, 'OK, he won his first major, why shouldn't I win mine?'" 

Stenson got his first look at the challenging Erin Hills layout by walking the course on Monday.

He believes patience will be the key for whoever prevails this week. 

"Patience and par is always a good score," Stenson said. "No matter how easy a hole might seem, stress-free pars are always going to be good in a US Open, and patience. You've got to take the hits.

"There will be times when you want to get mad and it's going to get to you, but you've just got to stay focused and press on." 

Stenson is also predicting a roaring trade for local pharmacists. 

"This is hayfever heaven, and I expect any local pharmacy to sell out of antihistamines," he joked.

"I forgot to take my pills this morning, and I've been sneezing about 50 times already."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
67% - 797 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
33% - 401 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE