During a super run of results at the US Open, world No.3 Jason Day has learned the battle is won or lost around the greens.
The 29-year-old Australian boasts two runner-ups among five top-10 finishes from six starts, but Day is desperate to go one better this year at Wisconsin's Erin Hills.
Ranked No.1 on the US PGA Tour for strokes gained in the short game, Day smells an opportunity.
"I think if I'm hitting it well and my short game continues to be really good, I'll win," Day told AAP.
Although his lone major championship title came at the 2015 US PGA Championship, where he became the first major winner to finish with a 20-under-par total, Day feels brutal US Open courses better suit his style.
"It tests the overall game because you've got to be on physically, but also mentally. The USGA (which runs the US Open) likes to add difficulty," said Day.
"I've always enjoyed that style the most, especially on the big stage of the majors. Even though deep down I'm stressing out, it's a huge thrill."
Like Day, fellow Australian Adam Scott is chasing his second major championship title.
Contesting his 16th US Open, world No.12 Scott is also conscious that surgeon-like precision from close range is the most important trait of a US Open winner.
"Growing up, I always believed you needed to be good driver of the golf ball to win the US Open," said Scott.
"But I think you need to have an unbelievable short game to win it. You're going to miss some fairways, you're going to miss some greens and you're going to have to scramble."
Scott pointed to five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, whose six runner-ups are the most in US Open history.
Although 47-year-old Mickelson is skipping the event for the first time since 1993 to be with daughter Amanda as she graduates from high school, Scott says there is a good reason why has set an example of consistency.
"I know (Mickelson) hasn't won the US Open, but he's finished second six times and he's got the best short game of all time," said Scott, who ranks in the top-30 in three short game statistics on Tour.
"I feel if my short game is as good as it's been this year and the long game shows up, there's no reason I can't win."
Other Australians in the field include world No.35 Marc Leishman, as well as qualifiers Wade Ormsby and Nick Flanagan.
Five is the smallest Australian contingent since the 2001 US Open, when only three qualified.
Erin Hills is a 7100 metre course in Wisconsin hosting the 156-player US Open for the first time.
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