Rory McIlroy's hunt for the elusive fifth Major will get underway with the Northern Irishman part of one of the most star-studded groups in recent years.
The 35-year-old will tee off against world #1 Scottie Scheffler and world #2 Xander Schauffele, with McIlroy just behind them in third in the world rankings.
This weekend's tournament sees the US Open return to Pinehurst for the fourth time, with McIlroy among the favourites once again to finally break his decade-long duck at Majors.
If he is to win his second US Open title, he will likely have to finish ahead of playing partner Scheffler, with the American in the form of his life.
When asked to comment on Scheffler's electric form of late at the pre-tournament press conference, McIlroy had the perfect response, referencing Scheffler's run-in with the law at last month's PGA Championship.
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Rory McIlroy had perfect jab while praising Scottie Scheffler
(The quip in question takes place at 5:40 in the above video)
Scottie Scheffler has drawn comparisons to Tiger Woods with his form of late, with the American winning six tournaments already this season, including a second win at the Masters and victory at the Players Championship.
Ahead of the US Open, Rory McIlroy was asked what it was like to be on a run like this - to which he humbly responded, "I haven't been on a run like this."
The four-time Major champion was then asked what impressed him most about Scheffler's recent run of form. His response, in reference to the brief incarceration which derailed Scheffler's bid for last month's PGA Championship, had the band of reporters in stitches.
The fact that the only thing that took him from winning a golf tournament was going into a jail cell for an hour!
I think just the relentlessness. Look, a lot of stuff went on in his life, as well. They've just had a new child. He's been through some struggles in his game, particularly the putter, that he's been able to turn around, as well.
It's not as if he hasn't had his challenges along the way, or circumstances have been a little bit different for him. But yeah, I mean, the word that I describe it as is "relentless." It seems like every time he shows up, he is the guy to beat, and deservedly so.
Undoubtedly the best player in the world at the minute by a long way. It's up to us to try to get to his level.
McIlroy will know that he will have to be at his best to beat not only Scheffler this weekend but his other playing partner Schauffele.
30-year-old Schauffele was the ultimate winner of the PGA Championship, his first Major crown. Though many would be burdened by the prospect of teeing off against the last two Major winners and top two in the world rankings, McIlroy sees positives to the situation.
I mean, if they're playing well and I try to keep up with them, I guess it's a good thing.
It's always exciting to be a part of a marquee group like that, No. 1, 2 and 3 in the world. I remember back in the day, I think it was Torrey Pines, watching on TV, I failed to qualify for that tournament. But I remember I think watching Tiger, Phil and Adam Scott the first two days.
It's cool to be part of these pairings. I think at this point, Scottie, Xander and myself are all experienced enough not to get caught up in it, just to go about our business, try to shoot a couple good scores to put ourselves in position going into the weekend.
McIlroy enters the weekend amid reports that his divorce proceedings with wife Erica Stoll have been cancelled after the pair "resolved differences."
The pair's divorce had emerged in the days leading up to the PGA Championship. However, recent records in Palm Beach COunty in Florida, where the divorce case was filed, show that the case status is "closed" after a "notice of voluntary dismissal" was filed on Tuesday.
Rory McIlroy tees off at the US Open at 18:14 Irish time on Thursday, alongside Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler.
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