PGA Tour Broadcaster Doug Bell Previews the 2017 US Open [Audio]

One of golf’s most prestigious tournaments is ready to begin 117^th US Open gets underway tomorrow morning from Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin.

Dustin Johnson looks to defend his US Open championship after taking him his first major victory of his career at Oakmont Country Club in 2016.

Prior to the start of the 2017 US Open, veteran sportscaster and PGA Tour observer Doug Bell gave his outlook on the US Open field including a review of the Erin Hills golf course on Inside the Locker Room.

“It’s gorgeous first off. It’s out in the middle of nowhere. It is an old cow pasture that they’ve developed into this magnificent golf course. There aren’t any trees on the property. There’s a lot of hills. They’ve moved a lot of dirt. I’m just telling you, it is a hard walk. Caddies will earn their pay this week, and I think it will be a challenge to the players. Most of them are playing like nine holes a day just to conserve energy” Bell said.

While describing the wide fairways and tall fescue rough associated with Erin Hills, Bell provided one of his keys for the eventual winner this weekend.

“It’s a links style, but it will require someone who hits it not only long but straight.” Bell said.

As Dustin Johnson looks to win his second consecutive US Open, a former Alabama standout looks to continue his progression as one of golf’s up and coming stars.

Justin Thomas has claimed three tournament wins this season on the PGA Tour and is in search of his first major championship.

During his conversation with Wimp and Barry Sanderson, Doug Bell believes that Thomas has a good shot to be in contention on Sunday.

“I think he is one of the favorites. If I were going to name a half a dozen guys, he’d be one of the six.” Bell said.

In addition to this weekend, Bell offered high praise for the Thomas’s prospects in professional golf.

“I think Justin Thomas is a future superstar. He’s on the verge of that anyway, and I don’t think you can really be classified as a superstar in professional golf until you win a major championship, and I think he will win multiple majors before all is said and done.” Bell said.

Catch Inside the Locker Room every weekday from 7-9 AM on Tide 102.9/100.9 and the radioPup app.