Course: Congressional Country Club, Blue Course (7,574 yards, par 71) in Bethesda, Md.

TV coverage: ESPN (Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 4-6 p.m.) and NBC (Thursday-Friday, 2-4 p.m.; Saturday, 1-7 p.m.; Sunday, 12:30-6:30 p.m.)

Purse: TBA ($7.5 million in 2010) (winner's share: TBA $1.35 million in 2010)

Last year: Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland became the first European in 40 years to win the U.S. Open. He made only one birdie in a final round of 3-over 74 for a one-shot victory over Gregory Havret. Dustin Johnson began the final round with a three-shot lead, only to make triple bogey on the second hole on his way to an 82, opening the way for Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods to take advantage. Woods bogeyed five of his opening 10 holes.

Last time at Congressional: Ernie Els won his second U.S. Open by closing with a 1-under 69. He hit 5-iron into the dangerous 17th for par, then made a 5-foot par putt on the 18th. Tom Lehman hit into the water on the 17th, while Colin Montgomerie missed a par putt on the 17th.

Tiger Tales: Tiger Woods will not play the U.S. Open (leg injuries) for the first time since 1994.

Noteworthy: Americans have gone the past four majors without winning.

Key tee times: 8:06 a.m., Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer. 1:35 p.m., Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson.

ASSOCIATED PRESS