The 2017 U.S. Open has been changed to a 72-hole stroke play event with new added tees for U.S. Open championship week, starting May 20, 2018, the United States Golf Association announced on Thursday. This year’s U.S. Open will be played June 15 to 18 at Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin.
Highlights from the USGA release about the new format:
“Announced at The Otesaga Resort Hotel in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, during an invitation-only press conference, the new format will allow the entire field, with no status, to compete at the U.S. Open without facing a qualifier. Players with ties will compete in the sectional sectional qualifier process and the top 60 players will advance to the Open, based on the world ranking, which will be published the prior week. The remainder of the field will be the Top 60 plus the low score among ties from the four sectional qualifiers, the Central Region qualifier, a U.S. Amateur qualifier, a U.S. Women’s Amateur qualifier, and a U.S. Women’s Public Links qualifier. “Winners from the sectional sectionals and regional qualifiers will receive a $1.25 million winner’s share, compared to the current $1.2 million prize for the winner. In addition, if a player finishes in the top 10 of the championship he or she will receive an additional $50,000.”
The U.S. Open has earned its reputation as perhaps the most grueling tournament on the golf course in the U.S. The 2017 edition will mark the 21st time that it has been played at a site that does not border a water hazard. This year’s U.S. Open field will feature 164 golfers, including two major championship champions, Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson.
The winner of the 2017 U.S. Open will receive $1.18 million (up from $1.15 million).
However, if you’re a golf pro, and you want the world’s largest payout, this year’s U.S. Open will offer a total of $16.8 million (compared to $15.8 million). This year’s U.S. Open winners will collect $9.5 million (compared to $9.3 million).
That is, however, a record purse for any tournament outside of the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, or the World Series.