Jason Dufner, the 35-year-old Cleveland native, is looking forward to the U.S. Open because it's a chance to win his first major, but it's not just that. Winning the Open would carry a special significance for Dufner, via the Contra Costa Times' Steve Corkran:
"It would be awesome," he said. "It's my favorite major. It's the one that, as a kid, I followed most closely. Never missed one. I even went to a couple as a spectator. To win your national open would be something of a fairy tale."
Dufner has 28/1 odds to win the tournament and leads the PGA Tour in FedEx Cup points and earnings. He's scheduled to tee off on 1:47 p.m. on Thursday afternoon.
For all your news and updates in the run up to the 2012 U.S. Open at Olympic, visit SB Nation's dedicated golf hub. Be sure to head over to USOpen.com for even more coverage from the event.