The Road To the U.S. Open: Georgia

Host Course

The Golf Club of Georgia (Lakeside) was built in 1991 and was immediately named “best new private club” in the United States. The par 72 course measures a little over 7,000 yards. Almost every hole is heavily tree-lined. Holes 11 through 14 are played along Lake Windward. 

Field Size: 68 players

‍Number of spots available: 4-6

‍Most Decorated Players in Field

‍Andy Olgetree- Last year, Olgetree ran away with the Asian Tour Order of Merit after he won two events. He has been one of the better stories in golf over the last couple of years considering he finished last in his first LIV start. He was battling injuries and needed money then. His plan to take a chance and play the first LIV event worked as he got healthy, played on the Asian Tour and worked his way back into form. He is now a member of Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers. 

‍Jason Dufner- The 2013 PGA Championship winner will look to play in the U.S. Open for the first time since 2019. Dufner, a five-time PGA Tour winner, has played well in the Open with three top-10s in 13 appearances. That includes back-to-back T4s in 2012 and 2013. In four events so far this year, the 47-year-old Dufner has yet to make a cut. 

‍Hudson Swafford- When the three-time tour winner left the PGA Tour for LIV he was playing well and had just won the 2022 American Express Invitational. To say he’s struggled on LIV however, would be an understatement. Part of the issue has been a sore hip that required surgery and cost him the 2023 season. He then lost his spot on the Range Goats and has played as an individual in every LIV event so far this season. In 14 career LIV events, the former Georgia Bulldog has finished just one event under par. Swafford’s best finish is 30th. 

‍Ted Potter Jr- The Hooters Tour legend and two-time PGA Tour winner has played just two events so far this season and has missed both cuts. 

‍Other PGA Tour winners in the field

Scott Brown

‍Storylines

‍The best field?- This field is LOADED, and I mean loaded, with some of the best amateurs in the world. Christo Lamprecht turned pro but was the number one ranked amateur last week. Jackson Kouivan, the fourth ranked amateur in the world, is in the field. David Ford (ranked 10th) is playing along with his twin brother, Maxwell, who is ranked 49th. There is also the 13th, 33rd, 98th ranked amateur and more in the top 150. This doesn’t include three top ranked juniors who have all committed to powerhouse golf programs. 

‍Comeback- Blayne Barber retired from full-time professional golf last season and is back for a run at Pinehurst. Also, Wade Binfield, who has been teaching to save up some money, is in the field. Last month, Binfield played his first tournament in nearly a year on the All-Pro Tour and won. 

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