The 2017 U.S. Open has finally arrived after weeks of hype and controversy.
Erin Hills, hosting for the first time, has faced constant scrutiny from players stepping away to play early practice rounds. The USGA itself has even been under fire by players wishing and hoping the event remains fair.
MORE: U.S. Open tee times | Odds to win at Erin Hills
Here's a look at what to expect at the 2017 U.S. Open.
2017 U.S. Open at Erin Hills golf course
The words majestic and farmland are rarely paired together, but Erin Hills made an unlikely match located just north of Milwaukee. The links-style course is long, winding and laced with thick fescue all around the course.
Players have already complained about the "unplayability" of the fescue, including Wesley Bryan and Kevin Na on social media. With the scorecard reading just under 7,800 yards, players better be long and accurate off the tee.
Though this is the pro debut for Erin Hills, the course did host the 2011 U.S. Amateur, won by Kelly Kraft, so it is familiar with big USGA-controlled events.
U.S. Open picks: Favorites to win
Dustin Johnson (world ranking: 1) — The defending champion has finished no worse than fourth since 2014 at this event. Long off the tee and deadly accurate with his irons, Johnson should have no trouble fighting through the potential harsh weather conditions this weekend. It would be a major upset if he isn't at least in contention.
Jason Day (3) — Refocused on golf after a back injury and helping his mother through cancer surgery, Day looks poised to add to his success at the U.S. Open. With five top 10s in this event since 2011, including a pair of runners-up finishes, Day's length and versatility should help him contend again this week.
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Justin Rose (11) — Quietly drifting under the radar while silently going about his business, Rose, who won the U.S. Open in 2013, has the iron game and accuracy off the tee to tame Erin Hills. Rose has four top-four finishes already this year, including a runner-up at The Masters. If his putter cooperates, he could add his second major championship this week.
Rickie Fowler (9) — Fowler finished runner-up at the 2014 U.S. Open, while finishing in the top five at all four majors that year. His game has rebounded in 2017 after a couple down years. Fowler has struggled with driving accuracy throughout his career, which could be a problem this week if the fescue is really as formidable as players have claimed. But Fowler is a competitor that usually plays his best golf in big events.
Jordan Spieth (5) — Spieth's roller-coaster season contains three top-three finishes, including a win at Pebble Beach. He also missed three cuts in a four tournament stretch surrounding a t-11 at The Masters. Spieth's win at Chambers Bay in 2015 proved he could beat long hitters on a bomber's course.
Jon Rahm (10) — Rahm is well on his way to becoming one of the most successful rookies the PGA Tour has ever seen. With six top-fives this year, including a win and two runners-up finishes, Rahm has consistently been one of the best players on Tour. He runs hot under the collar, which could get him in trouble here. The U.S. Open is all about patience.
Adam Scott (12) — Usually quiet and stately, Scott surprised everyone by taking a shot at the USGA after the Memorial Tournament. Fresh off a t-10 last week, and three top-15 finishes at the U.S. Open since 2012, Scott should be in contention come Sunday.
Sergio Garcia (7) — Despite finally winning his first major at the age of 37, Garcia has maintained a competitive spirit since conquering Augusta National. He finished t-5 here last year amid controversy. The ruling hanging over Johnson's head also had a profound affect on Garcia because he didn't know where he stood. This course should suit his eye nicely.
Thomas Pieters (25) — Pieters really burst onto the scene last fall with a 4-1 record at the Ryder Cup. He backed up his play at Hazeltine National with a t-4 at The Masters. Crazy long off the tee, Pieters should have no trouble performing well on this links-style course.
Rory McIlroy (2) — No one knows what to expect from McIlroy, who has played just once since The Masters due to a rib injury. Having played just six events worldwide all year, McIlroy could be rusty or fresh this week. His enigmatic presence just adds to the excitement.
U.S. Open picks: Fantasy sleepers
Brooks Koepka (22) — His game really comes alive in majors. Three top-18 finishes at this event in his last three tries exemplifies his consistent form at the game's biggest events. Another bomber off the tee, Koepka is one of the few that can over power this monster of a course.
Branden Grace (29) — One of three South Africans in great form at the moment. This course is perfect for Grace's low, straight ball flight. With a t-5 and a t-4 in his last two U.S. Opens, this could be the year he breaks through and wins.
Kevin Chappell (26) — Chappell has a lot of things going for him this week. He has a t-3 and a t-10 to his resume at U.S. Opens past, he won earlier this year (Texas Open) and he finished t-4 last week in Memphis. Seriously underrated talent that is overdue for a major breakthrough.
Shane Lowry (69) — Earns this spot with a t-2 and a t-9 in the last two U.S. Opens. Lowry was dreadful for a while after last year's runner-up finish at Oakmont, but he's playing well again. He finished t-6 and t-15 in his last two starts.
MORE: Daily fantasy golf picks
Alex Noren (8) — Eight, really? But I haven't even heard of him. Shame on you. Noren has been one of the best players in the world over the last 10 months. His five wins on the European Tour since last year's U.S. Open vaulted him from 99th to eighth in the world ranking. Won the BMW PGA Championship last month after an impressive 10-under 62 on Sunday.
Billy Horschel (47) — With a win and a t-4 in two of his last four starts, coupled with a t-4 at the 2013 U.S. Open, Horschel finds himself comfortably in the mix heading into the week. His boisterous nature isn't for everyone, but he is capable of winning a major.
Jason Dufner (27) — Memorial winner has three top-eight finishes at this event since 2012. He also has a win and a runner-up at the PGA Championship on his resume. Clearly comfortable on tough courses, Dufner's elite ball-striking should carry him near the top of the leaderboard again this week.
Charl Schwartzel (16) — With a third-place finish at The Masters and a t-2 last week, Schwartzel moves dangerously close to favorite territory. But as it stands, he remains down here because few talk about him on a weakly basis.
Lucas Glover (100) — Glover's renaissance season contains four top 10s, including a t-6 at the Players Championship. The 2009 U.S. Open champion surprised before, so why not again?
Kevin Kisner (20) — Length seems like the only issue for Kisner this week. Nearly elite, Kisner, who has a win and a t-2 this year, is a major championship away from becoming a household name.