If you sought further indication of the strength of the pro game outside of the U.S. at present you only have to look at the pre-U.S. Open interview schedule released by the USGA.

Of the 15 players who have been invited to attend the Congressional Media Centre next Monday and Tuesday just six are American.

Two of those is ranked inside the top-10 – Phil Mickelson currently ranked No. 5 and Dustin Johnson who has moved up to No. 9.

It was 12 months ago Johnson let slip the chance of a first Major after heading into the final round leading by three but then posting a closing 82 to end in a distant share of eighth place behind Graeme McDowell.

However two other Americans being invited to Media Centre are amateurs including reigning U.S. Amateur champion, Peter Uihlein along with Michael Whitehead who is replacing the injured Tiger Woods.

And the absence of Woods there has been a sharp decline in the resale price of tickets ahead of the season’s second Major.

In fact, they’ve dropped by 20% on ‘E BAY’ with a four day ticket that originally cost almost $US 500 now being able to bought for $US 402.

The USGA is also bringing in veteran Americans Ken Venturi and Fred Funk who qualified last week for the event.

Strangely, Steve Stricker, who moved up to No. 4 with his win last week at the Memorial, and Matt Kucher, who went to No. 6 in finishing runner-up to Kuchar, will not front the media.

With Europe ruling the world at present naturally the world’s top three ranked players in Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer will speak to world’s golfing press, and with Kaymer to start off proceedings at 10am local time Monday.

The full Congressional interview schedule, and where www.golfbytourmiss.com will be in attendance, is as follows:-

Monday, June 13

10 a.m. – Martin Kaymer 11 a.m. – Ken Venturi.  2 p.m. – K.J. Choi. 3 p.m. – Peter Uihlein 3:30 p.m. – Dustin Johnson. 4 p.m. – Lee Westwood

Tuesday, June 14

10 a.m. – Graeme McDowell. 10:30 a.m. – Fred Funk. 11 a.m. – Ernie Els. 1 p.m. – Michael Whitehead. 1:30 p.m. – Louis Oosthuizen. 2 p.m. – Charl Schwartzel. 2:30 p.m. – Phil Mickelson. 3 p.m. – Rory McIlroy. 3:30 p.m. – Luke Donald. 6 p.m. – GWAA Board Meeting.