Xander Schauffele is positioned nicely after two rounds of the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, with a second-round score of 66.
He has played solid golf this season, with five top-10 finishes in 12 events, but no wins on the PGA Tour.
What happened at Shinnecock Hills?
Schauffele carded an exceptional second round of 66 at Shinnecock Hills on Friday, following up his 71 on day one.
He is sitting in a tie for second on three-under par, four shots adrift of the leader, Wyndham Clark.
Xander Schauffele's prediction
Schauffele believes that if the USGA makes a specific change, over-par could win the golf tournament, given the wind and firm greens.
He thinks the course can be challenging, requiring full attention on every shot.
Xander Schauffele's game
Schauffele told reporters he played superbly well on Friday at Shinnecock Hills, feeling motivated after the previous night.
He said it's just a lot of patience and good golf shots that matter in the US Open.
The championship itself wears you out, and you really feel it after, but doing some work in between can get rewarded.
Schauffele has a good chance of getting his first win of the season at the US Open, given his game and elite mentality.
He was heavily fancied to win a major championship at the start of 2026, and the US Open might just represent his best chance.
Schauffele's exceptional second round has put him in a good position, and he will fancy his chances of getting over the line.
The US Open is a long way, and you really feel it after, but Schauffele is ready for the challenge.
He will try to focus as much as he can for the remaining rounds, hitting every shot with full attention.
Schauffele's prediction of over-par winning the tournament is interesting, given the challenging course conditions.
The wind and firm greens make it difficult for players to score low, and Schauffele thinks this could be an advantage.
He will try to capitalize on this and get his first win of the season, which would be a significant achievement.
The US Open is one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf, and winning it would be a dream come true for Schauffele.
He has the talent and the mentality to win, and his prediction of over-par winning the tournament is a bold one.
Schauffele's game is well-suited to the test that Shinnecock Hills presents, and he will try to make the most of it.
The next few rounds will be crucial, and Schauffele will need to maintain his focus and patience to succeed.
He has the potential to win the US Open, and his prediction of over-par winning the tournament is an interesting one.
The golf world will be watching Schauffele closely, and his performance at the US Open will be eagerly anticipated.
Schauffele's exceptional second round has put him in a good position, and he will try to build on this momentum.
The US Open is a challenging tournament, but Schauffele is ready for the test, and his prediction of over-par winning the tournament is a bold one.