U.S. Open returns to Southern California as L.A. Country Club hosts golf's toughest test

United States defends home turf with Arnold Palmer Cup victory

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Golf's toughest test has returned to Los Angeles for the first time in 75 years.

The 123rd U.S. Open will be held this year at the Los Angeles Country Club's North Course. The tournament was last held in L.A. in 1948 at the Riviera Country Club.

California love

This marks the third time in the past five years the U.S. Open will be contested in California, with Jon Rahm winning at Torrey Pines in 2021 and Gary Woodland at Pebble Beach in 2019.

A tough track

With some fun features, the North Course will be in the spotlight this year.

As expected, the USGA loves to tout the thick rough on U.S. Open courses, with golf balls essentially disappearing when they find the high grass.

From the drivable 325-yard Par 4 6th hole to the course's signature hole, the 290-yard downhill Par 3 11th, it should be a fun week at the U.S. Open -- depending on your definition of fun. 

The hot topic of discussion

While there will be plenty to discuss about the U.S. Open on the golf course this week, there is sure to be plenty of discussion about the shockwaves that hit the sports world earlier this month when the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia announced a potential multi-billion dollar merger.

Looking to go back-to-back

Defending champion Matt Fitzpatrick heads into the U.S. Open looking to bounce back from a disappointing missed cut at the PGA Championship last month.

BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 19: Matthew Fitzpatrick of England celebrates with the winners trophy after the final round of the 122nd U.S. Open Championship at The Country Club on June 19, 2022 in Brookline, Massachusetts. / Getty Images

On the opposite side of disappointment, recent PGA Champion Brooks Koepka looks to stay on the hot streak at majors, with the win at Oak Hill and finishing tied for 2nd at the Masters in April. 

ROCHESTER, NY - MAY 21: Brooks Koepka fist pumps after his winning putt on the 18th hole during the final round of the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on Sunday, May 21, 2023 in Rochester, New York. Maddie Meyer/PGA of America via Getty Images

Koepka has won 5 of the last 24 contested majors since winning his first at the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills, and then repeating in 2018 at Bethpage Black.

Hovland seeking a major

Viktor Hovland looks for his first major this week in L.A. after spending Sunday at the past three majors in contention and winning the Memorial earlier this month. 

Who we won't see this week

A few names we won't see this week include Tiger Woods, still recovering from injury at the Masters, defending runner-up Will Zalatoris, out for the season, and the sensation of the golf world at the PGA Championship in Michael Block, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for this year's tournament. 

ROCHESTER, NY - MAY 21: Michael Block of the Corebridge Financial PGA Team celebrates with spectators after hitting a hole-in-one on the 15th hole during the final round of the PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club on Sunday, May 21, 2023 in Rochester, New York. Scott Taetsch/PGA of America via Getty Images

A hometown fan favorite

Many people will likely be picking the hometown player Max Homa. 

POTOMAC, MARYLAND - MAY 08: Max Homa of the United States lines up a putt during the final round of the Wells Fargo Championship at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm on May 08, 2022 in Potomac, Maryland. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Born just 15 miles from L.A. Country Club and attending high school less than an hour away, the galleries will surely be cheering on Max. 

Rory's nearly 10-year drought

Rory McIlroy looks to get back in the win column at majors.

TORONTO, CANADA - JUNE 07: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland takes part in the Pro-Am of the RBC Canadian Open at Oakdale Golf and Country Club on June 07, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. VAUGHN RIDLEY / Getty Images

It's been nearly a full 10 years since his last wins at the 2014 Open Championship and PGA Championship. 

Lefty's quest for the grand slam

Will it be another year without completing the career grand slam for Phil Mickelson? 

He still lacks the U.S. Open for his career resume. 

Play starts Thursday

The tournament gets underway this Thursday morning and surely will be full of excitement for all of the golf world and sports world. 

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