What a couple of years for the former European Challenge Tour player. Back-to-back wins in both the US Open and PGA Championship and on June 16 was runner-up to Gary Woodland in his attempt to become the first player since 1905 to lift three successive US Opens.
Also a runner-up at The Masters in April and in between set a new major record after starting 63-65 at the feared Bethpage Black in the PGA as he returned to world No 1 with his fourth major. First success came by four in the 2017 US Open at Erin Hills with a tournament record-equalling 16 under par total, then at Shinnecock Hills he edged out Tommy Fleetwood by one for a successful defence. Two months later claimed his third major at the PGA, holding off a charging Tiger Woods with a 264 aggregate which matched Henrik Stenson’s major record set at Royal Troon in 2016.
In 2016 missed The Open with a torn ankle ligament, but then became one of two rookies in Davis Love’s Ryder Cup side at Hazeltine. Earned his second cap last September and then was named PGA Tour Player of the Year. Brother Chase is also a professional.