
'Graveyard of champions' —
The U.S. Open will tee off at the Olympic Club for the fifth time on Thursday, with the San Francisco venue having developed a reputation for toppling some of golf's biggest stars.

Hogan catches some Fleck —
Jack Fleck, pictured here during the Masters' par-three in 2011, caused a big shock back in 1955. He snatched the U.S. Open title from Ben Hogan -- who had been congratulated on his apparent triumph by a TV commentator before his little-known rival forced a playoff and won it.

Casper the not-so-friendly host —
In 1966, California native Billy Casper clawed back a seven-shot deficit to the legendary Arnold Palmer to clinch the U.S. Open title at Olympic.

Rory rides again —
The highlight of Rory McIlroy's career so far arrived at last year's U.S. Open, where he secured a record-breaking triumph at Congressional just months after throwing away a four-shot lead on the final day of the Masters.

Strange goings on —
The last time a player successful defended the U.S. Open was more than 20 years ago, when American Curtis Strange claimed back-to-back titles in 1988 and 1989.

Tiger's time again? —
Tiger Woods, a three-time U.S. Open winner, is one of the favorites for this year's event, thanks to his success at the recent Memorial Tournament. The former world No. 1 is four titles short of Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major triumphs.

Mobile Martin —
Casey Martin has qualified to start in a U.S. Open at Olympic for the second time. He has been granted special dispensation to use a golf cart due to a rare circulatory disorder in his right leg -- as he did when he tied for 23rd in 1998.

'Gentleman Jim' —
Former world heavyweight boxing champion "Gentleman Jim" Corbett used the Olympic Club as a training and coaching venue. Corbett lived between 1866 and 1933.