The field is set for the second major of the PGA Tour calendar, with America's national championship set to tee off Thursday at 6:45 a.m. ET.
Here are five things you need to know about the 2014 U.S. Open:
Prickly, prickly Pinehurst
For only the third time in 114 editions, the tournament will be held at the No. 2 course in Pinehurst, N.C.
U.S. Open tracks are designed to humble, as winning scores rarely dive deep below par, but Pinehurst offers distinct plight. The course features the tournament's typically troubling first cut, punishes the overly aggressive, and is renowned for its crowned, wavy greens. Sloping from the center to the fringe, golfers are almost always putting uphill and having their approaches slide off the carpet.
With months of restoration conducted for this weekend, Pinehurst, in its full majestic and unadulterated state, is ready to terrorize the world's best.
Related: 3 things you need to know about Pinehurst No. 2
The legend of Payne
The U.S. Open is set to celebrate a 15-year reunion with Pinehurst, but it isn't without mourning.
Providing one of the greatest images in the sport's history after sinking a 15-foot putt to win the 1999 tournament, Payne Stewart died four months later in a plane crash.
A two-time winner, the sharply-dressed, charismatic golfer is synonymous with the major, but is inextricably linked to Pinehurst itself. Following 72 holes, this year's winner will be reminded of the golfer who hugged the trophy he's set to receive. With one leg famously cocked, Stewart's fist-pump is immortalized by this statue at the 18th hole.
Related: Your A-Z guide to the 2014 U.S. Open
Six times a bridesmaid
For Phil Mickelson at the U.S. Open, there's something truly supernatural at play.
With six runner-up finishes, Lefty has been tormented at nearly every stop of the nomadic championship, which remains the only missing piece of his career grand slam. But 2014 is different - Mickelson is returning to where it all began. His demons spawned at Pinehurst 15 years ago when he placed second to Stewart.
In the tournaments since, Mickelson has endured second-place finishes at Shinnecock, Winged Foot, and twice at Bethpage, but none were more crushing than last year's collapse at Merion. He owned the outright lead through three rounds for the first time, but shot a 74 on Sunday, handing the title to Justin Rose.
At his emotional threshold, Lefty exercised his demons five weeks later and won his first British Open. While it remains to be seen if that will help him stage an exorcism on home soil, Mickelson will have to overcome a ghost in the flesh during the first two rounds. He will tee off alongside Rose.
Related: 3 golfers to watch at the U.S. Open
No Tiger ... again
Once again, Tiger Woods will be absent, missing his second straight major championship in recovery from back surgery that has derailed his tournament season.
It's the second time in four years Tiger, the sport's headliner, will be absent from the event.
His effect is real. CBS' coverage of the Masters featured the network's worst audience since 1993 at an average of 8.6 million viewers. Moreover, four-day vouchers at Pinehurst are being sold at nearly half the price as last year at Merion, which saw Tiger finish at 13-over.
Who booked these threesomes?
The United States Golf Association's fantasy matchmaker churned out some mouthwatering threesomes for the opening two rounds.
Six of the best golfers without a major championship will be trotted out in succession: Sergio Garcia, Jason Day, and Brandt Snedeker will play in front of Henrik Stenson, Matt Kuchar, and Lee Westwood.
Then, Northern Ireland can focus their attention on one grouping with former champions Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell playing together alongside 2012's winner, Webb Simpson.
The sport's future will be on display when Jordan Spieth (20), Rickie Fowler (25), and Hideki Matsuyama (22) share the tee.
Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee could opt for the most reserved option in his wardrobe and still be a part of the most colourful grouping of the morning. He will be playing with the cigar-smoking, yoga-performing Miguel Angel Jimenez and the checkered-panted Ian Poulter.
And finally, the last three green jacket winners, Bubba Watson, Adam Scott, and Charl Schwartzel, will highlight the afternoon groupings.
