Robert Streb sees improvement in his game as he prepares for U.S. Open

Robert Streb has had a rough season on the PGA Tour, but he is cautiously optimistic as he prepares to play in the U.S. Open starting Thursday in Oakmont, Pa.

“My game has been getting a little bit better,” Streb said. “But this will be a tough test in the U.S. Open.”

In his last PGA Tour event, Streb tied for 20th place earlier this month at the Memorial Tournament, his best finish since he tied for 18th place at the Farmers Insurance Open in January. Then in a recent practice round at Wolf Creek in Olathe, Streb shot a 59.

“I was happy to play well,” Streb said. “Hopefully that will continue this week.”

Streb, who played in college at Kansas State and now lives in Shawnee, had a successful 2014-15 season on the PGA Tour, gaining his first career victory and nine top-10 finishes in 30 starts. But things have not gone so well this season, and he has missed the cut seven times in 17 starts.

This is Streb’s second appearance in the U.S. Open. He made the cut and finished in a tie for 42nd place last year at Chambers Bay in University Place, Wash.

Streb said he had never played at Oakmont before getting in some practice rounds, and he knows that it will be very challenging. Golfers could have it a little easier if the course gets some rain, which forecasters say there is a chance of Wednesday through Friday.

“The rough is awful and the greens are fast,” Streb said. “It’s definitely one of the hardest courses I have ever seen.

“It will probably beat you up by the end of the week.”

This story was originally published June 14, 2016 at 6:50 PM with the headline "Robert Streb sees improvement in his game as he prepares for U.S. Open."