10 Outsiders to Watch at The US Open 2025
By: Derek Clements | Edited: Fri 01 Aug 2025
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Ahead of the US Open at Oakmont, most of the attention will be on the favourites, but as we all know, the field is far deeper than that and a considerable number of players will be hoping to launch a surprise bid to secure America's national championship.
Golfshake's Derek Clements picks out some standout candidates.
Davis Riley
Underrated American who qualified because he is in the top 60 in the world rankings. Has won twice on the PGA Tour and is an impressive ball striker.
Jordan Smith
A serial under-achiever who deserves some credit for coming through qualifying. In a good run of form and one of the sweetest swingers on the DP World Tour.
Lance Simpson
One of the best amateurs in the world, Simpson is making his US Open debut after posting an eight-under-par 134 total at the Dallas final qualifying event.
Laurie Canter
After a troubled spell with LIV Golf, Canter is enjoying a genuine renaissance and has high hopes of making Europe’s Ryder Cup team.
Thriston Lawrence
Made a shocking start to the year on the PGA Tour but then headed back to Europe and immediately rediscovered both his form and confidence.
Rasmus Hojgaard
I rate Hojgaard hugely. He is a proven winner on the DP World Tour and I am certain that it is only a matter of time before he does the same thing in America.
Guido Migliozzi
Infuriatingly inconsistent Italian who is just as likely to shoot a 63 or an 83. But when he is on song he is world-class. Finished fourth at Torrey Pines in 2021.
Davis Thompson
Finished in a tie for ninth at Pinehurst last year, which gave him a spot in the field for this year - less than a month later he won the John Deere Classic, his maiden PGA Tour title.
Jose Luis Ballester
The 21-year-old Spaniard is the current US Amateur champion and is surely destined for big things in the paid ranks despite signing for LIV.
Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen
A pro for only two years, the Dane enjoyed three victories on the Challenge Tour in 2024 and made it to Oakmont by leading qualifying at Dallas with an impressive total of 131.
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About the author
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
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Tags: us open The US Open Oakmont
