DUSTIN JOHNSON (USA)

World Ranking: 1
Last 5 tournaments: MC-T13-T12-T2-W
Best US Open finish: Winner (2016)
Last 5 US Opens: W-T2-T4-55-MC

After his breakthrough US Open win, the big-hitting American seemed poised to take a stranglehold on the men’s game this season after scoring three PGA Tour victories and two top-10 finishes. A freak back injury on the eve of the opening round of the Masters derailed his progress and he will be keen to get back to his winning ways on the longest major championship course in history.

Dustin Johnson

JORDAN SPIETH (USA)

World Ranking: 5
Last 5 tournaments: T13-T2-MC-MC-T11
Best US Open finish: Winner (2015)
Last 5 US Opens: T37-W-T17-MC-T21-T11

Spieth became the youngest US Open winner in 92 years at Chambers Bay in 2015, just two months after claiming the Masters. However, he could not replicate his form last year, even though he came close to retaining his Masters crown before that 12th hole meltdown on Sunday. Has been solid again in 2017, and two recent missed cuts shouldn’t matter much when he regains his focus in a major.

Jordan Spieth

RORY MCLLROY (NIR)

World Ranking: 2
Last 5 tournaments: T35-T7-T30-T4-T7
Best US Open finish: Winner (2011)
Last 5 US Opens: MC-T9-T23-T41-MC

The 28-year-old’s preparations for Erin Hills have been interrupted by niggling rib and back injuries which have curtailed his appearances on the tour. McIlroy however is looking forward to returning to the Open, which was the scene of his first major championship triumph in 2011. What’s more important is that he seems to have loved the challenge that Erin Hills offers during his prep visit.

Rory Mcllroy

RICKIE FOWLER (USA)

World Ranking: 9
Last 5 tournaments: MC-T2-T60-T11-T3
Best US Open finish: T2 (2014)
Last 5 US Opens: MC-MC-T2-T10-T41

One of the most consistent performers in 2017 along with Johnson and Jon Rahm. Won the Honda Classic and was second at The Memorial. Missed the cut at FedEx St Jude Classic last week, which would have been a good thing as it gives him some extra rest in a three-week stretch. Very solid off the tee, Fowler is excellent on the greens – a mix that could win him his maiden major.

Rickie Fowler

JUSTIN ROSE (ENG)

World Ranking: 11
Last 5 tournaments: T12-T65-2-T15-T13
Best US Open finish: Winner (2013)
Last 5 US Opens: MC-T27-T12-W-T21

The 36-year-old seems to have the uncanny knack of bringing his best game to major championships. Runner-up earlier this year at the Masters, where he lost a play-off to Sergio Garcia, Rose is more than likely to be in contention. He missed the cut at Oakmont last year, but his immense patience and his strong overall game makes him an enticing proposition on this golf course.

Justin Rose