Legacies on the line: How a U.S. Open win could alter these careers

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PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. – The polished trophy that has been sitting next to the first tee all week at the U.S. Open is about to have a new home (or possibly return to its usual perch on Brooks Koepka’s shelf). But however things play out in the final round at Pebble Beach, someone’s legacy is about to change for the better.

Let’s examine the potential ripple effects looming on Stillwater Cove Sunday afternoon:

Gary Woodland (-11): Twelve years removed from his pro debut, Woodland could make The Leap if he were to convert his 54-hole lead. Woodland has been a solid player on the PGA Tour for nearly a decade, snagging a trio of wins, but this would be of an entirely different magnitude…