Four South African golfers in Hollywood for 123rd US Open

The 123rd US Open gets under way at the Los Angeles Country Club in California on Thursday.

The tournament will feature 156 of the world's best golfers, with FOUR South Africans, three of whom will be making their US Open debuts, in the field.

The last time a South African won a US Open was in 2004, when Retief Goosen secured his second Major title at Shinnecock Hills.

Here's a look at the four South Africans in Hollywood:

Thriston Lawrence

Age - 26

World ranking - 103

Best US Open - Debut

Lawrence will make his US Open debut as he competes in only his third Major so far.

Last year, Lawrence became the first South African to be crowned the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year on the DP World Tour. Lawrence then took home two DP World Tour titles and bagged six Top 10s to finish 14th on the Race to Dubai standings.

Following his SA Open Championship victory this season, Lawrence has yet to have the summer he would've imagined - missing five cuts in his 13 appearances.

At last month's PGA Championship, Lawrence made the weekend to finish tied for 62nd at the Oak Hill Country Club.

He gets his opening round under way alongside American duo Adam Schenk and Eric Cole at 21:37 SA time.

Wilco Nienaber

Age - 23

World ranking - 392

Best US Open - T68 (2021)

Nienaber will make his second US Open appearance and compete in only his second Major tournament since 2021.

The long-hitter sealed his spot in the US Open after finishing tied for second in the US Open Final Qualifying at Walton Heath Golf Club (Old Course) in Surrey.

Nienaber has been plying his trade between the DP World Tour, Challenge Tour and Sunshine Tour this season.

He claimed two top-10 finishes on the Sunshine Tour this season and continued his form on the DP World Tour. Nienaber