We are only halfway through this year’s US Open but with just 36 holes in the books the casualties, both mental and physical, are already mounting from this most gruelling of golfing tests.

European Ryder Cuppers Stephen Gallacher and Henrik Stenson both saw their caddies injured during practice as Chambers Bay’s extensive elevation variations and dry grass caused plenty of footing issues inside and outside the ropes.

"If you’re sharp with the driver and sharp with the putter from basically 30 yards and in, that’s going to be a big key this week.”