World number one Scottie Scheffler and second-ranked Xander Schauffele are the oddsmakers' favorites heading into next week's US Open, the third major golf tournament of the year. The event will take place at Pinehurst, known for its challenging sandscapes and wiregrass, adding a unique test for the world's top golfers.

Scheffler, who has had an eventful season, including a dramatic experience at the PGA Championship at Valhalla where he was arrested following a traffic incident but later had all charges dropped, is in a positive mental state as he approaches the tournament. Despite the challenges, Scheffler remains confident in his game. "A lot of the challenges in this game can only toughen me up and I feel like I'm in a great head space mentally," Scheffler said. He has four wins and two runner-up finishes since February and aims to maintain his preparation routine similar to when he was struggling to qualify for US Opens.

Schauffele, who recently claimed his first major victory at the PGA Championship, is equally focused. After a close finish at Valhalla, he remains motivated and hasn't spent much time reflecting on his major triumph. "I was really happy but I was pretty motivated to get back to work," Schauffele said. With more majors and the task of defending his Olympic gold in Paris ahead, Schauffele is keeping his focus sharp.

Bryson DeChambeau, the 2020 US Open winner, is among the 12 LIV Golf players in the US Open field. DeChambeau praised the Pinehurst course after playing it earlier this year, appreciating its unique challenges with sandscapes and wiregrass rather than typical dense rough.

Tiger Woods, a 15-time major winner, will also compete, having accepted a special invitation. Woods has struggled with mobility since a 2021 car crash but expressed excitement about competing at Pinehurst, a venue significant to the sport.

Pinehurst has a storied history with the US Open, with past winners including the late Payne Stewart in 1999, Michael Campbell in 2005, and Martin Kaymer in 2014. Each of these champions faced their own challenges post-victory, highlighting the unpredictability and difficulty of maintaining top form in golf.

As the US Open approaches, the focus will be on how these top-ranked players, especially favorites like Scheffler and Schauffele, navigate the distinctive and demanding Pinehurst course.