Intro:

The World Cup isn't the only major sporting event getting underway this week, with the year's second golfing major taking place at Pinehurst, North Carolina on Thursday.

The US Open always proves a major test for the players and this year will be no different for the 156 golfers who've gathered in the States to compete for the prestigious tournament.

Script:

The final field for the US Open has been announced, with 156 golfers from 27 countries getting ready to take on one of America's landmark courses at Pinehurst.

The likes of double Masters champion Bubba Watson, former US Open champion Rory McIlroy, and defending champion Justin Rose, will be vying for one of golf's most prestigious prizes when the action starts on Thursday.

The great Antipodean hope this time round is world number one Adam Scott, while British Open champion Ernie Els might also be in contention come the weekend.

SOUNDBITE (English) ERNIE ELS

"It's going to be very different. 1999, it was wet, rainy; the rough was a huge factor. If you would get it in the rough, you were just hitting out and wedging it to the green. 2005 was a bit drier, but still the rough was a big factor. You've got bunkers in play now; you've got the native areas in play now. You've got shots; you've got options where you can maybe have a go at the greens. With the greens and the way that they're designed, it's going to be exciting and you can come off with a miraculous recovery, or you can put yourself into more trouble."

Last year's US Open was dramatic with Englishman Rose holding his nerve to win his first major.

If this year's tournament is as good, the Pinehurst galleries will be in for a treat.