The 2024 US Open is less than 48 hours away and already all players are at Pinehurst No. 2 preparing for tee time. The field includes an interesting mix of young and experienced players.
There are several players with many years dedicated to professional golf, some of them true legends of the sport. The list includes a winner at the US Open, as well as some outstanding performances in this event.
Let's take a look at the top 5 oldest players in the 2024 US Open field.
Top 5 oldest participants at the 2024 US Open
The oldest player to earn a spot at Pinehurst No. 2 was Bernhard Langer (66) by winning the 2023 US Senior Open. However, Langer declined to participate in the event.
#1 Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson, 54, is the oldest player in the 2024 US Open field. 'Lefty' is exempt because he won the PGA Championship in 2021, when he became the oldest Major champion (50) in history.
In his brilliant career, Mickelson has played 32 editions of the event. He has never won, but has finished second six times (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2013). Should he win it, he would become the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam in the modern era.
#2 Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods, 48, arrived at Pinehurst No. 2 thanks to a special invitation from the United States Golf Association (USGA) organizer of the event. Woods is one of the leading stars in the history of this organization, with nine titles in different categories.
In his legendary career, Woods has participated in 22 editions of the US Open, with three victories (2000, 2002, 2008) and five other Top 10s, including two second places.
#3 Robert Rock
Robert Rock, 47, is an English player remembered for his performances on the European Tour. Despite being retired, Rock participated in the final qualifier at Walton Heath Golf Club, England, where he carded rounds of 69 and 66 to win his spot.
Rock has participated in two previous editions of the U.S. Open. He missed the cut in 2012 and finished T23 in 2011.
#4 Matt Kuchar
9-time PGA Tour winner Matt Kuchar, 46, earned his spot at Pinehurst with medalist honors in the final qualifier at The Bear's Club in Jupiter, Florida. In his career, Kuchar has one USGA associate title (1997 US Amateur) in addition to other outstanding performances.
In 20 previous US Opens, Kuchar has made the cut 11 times, with a Top 10, T6 in 2010.
#5 Jim Herman
Jim Herman, 46, is a player with three PGA Tour victories, most recently at the 2020 Wyndham Championship. Herman earned his spot at Pinehurst with rounds of 68 and 67 and then winning a four-player playoff.
Herman has played in five editions of the current third Major of the season, with three missed cuts and a T47 as his best finish.