Colin Montgomerie, who is often regarded as one of the best golfers never to win a major tournament, has revealed his failure to top the world rankings is his biggest regret.
The Scot was a runner-up on five separate occasions in majors, but claims missing out on being number one hurt him more.
He told the BBC: "The leading player in the world - that would have been a big deal."
Monty packed his golf clothing and golf shoes for the 1997 US Open at Congressional, the venue for next week's event, as world number three.
He would have claimed his first major and the world number one spot if he had lifted the trophy but one bad round cost him his chance to top the rankings.
"I should have won it, to be honest. I threw in a 76 in one of the rounds which is too high. The other three rounds were good.
"Ernie Els beat me by one shot and all credit to him for doing that."
Monty captained the 2010 Ryder Cup team to a nail-biting victory at Celtic Manor, Wales.