4 young players to know before the US Open

Among a field of stars will be some young hopefuls aiming to make a name for themselves.

It will be hard to steal the headlines at this year's US Open.

Not only are the usual candidates in contention, but the Chambers Bay course has been thrust into the spotlight.

There will be, though, a host of young players aiming to make the most of their shot at the US Open.

We take a look at four of the young players whose name you need to keep an eye out for over the next week.

Cole Hammer

The first thing to note about Cole Hammer is that he is 15 years old. He won't be setting any records in the age department, though, as Andy Zhang was 14 when he played the tournament in 2012.

Hammer was one of three amateurs to qualify at Dallas on Monday, shooting 64 and 68. He even birdied four of his last five holes.

That he will also play for the University of Texas is yet another star that seems to be aligning for him. Jordan Spieth played for the same university and it's fair to say he's making a decent fist of a professional career.

Sam Horsfield

He received the backing of Ian Poulter after playing his more established countryman over nine holes when he was 14.

Now 18, Horsfield will play in his first US Open after beating Cristobal del Solar in Florida. It will be a sweet feeling after coming so close in the last couple of years.

Having achieved the biggest milestone in his short career, he will now miss the Amateur Championship in Scotland. You'll agree he has a pretty good reason for doing so.

Bryson DeChambeau

DeChambeau will arrive at Chambers Bay on the back of winning the NCAA individual golf title, the top competition for American college golfers.

It is also worth noting the quality of the field that DeChambeau came through to qualify for next week's tournament. In it were PGA Tour regulars Daniel Summerhays, George McNeill, Camilo Villegas and Robert Streb.

He shot 66-67 in his 36 holes to earn a place at the year's second major.

Beau Hossler

He may be an amateur, but this is not Beau Hossler's first appearance at the US Open.

In fact it's his third. A missed cut in 2011 was followed by a staggering performance in 2012 at the Olympic Club, when he finished T29 having shot 70-73-70-76. Even Rory McIlroy didn't make the cut that year.

Hossler clearly has the ability to complete in a strong field. Given the nature of Chambers Bay, it might even prove to be more of a leveller.