GOLF: Aussie Nick Flanagan says having close friend and pro golfer Aron Price caddie for him will help calm the nerves when he contests his first US Open in 13 years.

Flanagan, 33, last week claimed one of three 11th-hour starts from a sectional qualifier in Texas.

The Newcastle product's last US Open appearance was in 2004, a year after he became the first Aussie in 100 years to win the US Amateur Championship.

It will be his first major championship since the 2005 British Open.

The friends have switched roles from the 2016 US Open, when Flanagan caddied for Price at Oakmont.

"I don't think I'd play better with any other caddie because he keeps me pretty calm ... the friendly banter is going to be good all week," Flanagan said ahead of the tournament at Wisconsin's Erin Hills Golf Club, starting on Thursday night (AEST).

Price, 35, said his experience as a professional golfer would help Flanagan.

"You want your caddie to be there when you're struggling to think. As a player, you can put too much emotion into shots and not just play the numbers in front of you. I can do that because I'm carrying the bag," Price said.

"As a close mate, I'll be able to keep him relaxed and I know his game really well after playing so many practice rounds together."