The 110th U.S. Open at Pebble Beach looks pretty wide open. The fairways are only 30 yards wide so driving accuracy is at a premium. Here are the guys I look for to be playing for the championship on Sunday:
1. Tiger Woods- 5-2 favorite in Vegas. I don’t think he can do this the way he is driving the ball. He’s just too wild. But he can scramble better than anybody ever so that puts him in the mix. If he has his driver worked out, he could be there on Sunday. Remember, he won by 15 shots at Pebble in 2000.
2. Phil Mickelson-Can he for once win the Open? He has been so close so many times. Last year when his wife and mom were very sick, he posted almost a final round for the ages but bogeyed 17 and fell back off. He’s been so close. He plays Pebble well, so he’s a favorite.
3.Ernie Els- Won the national championship in 1994 and 1997. Has been playing pretty well this year and leads the Fed Ex Cup Standings after wins at Doral and Bay Hill. It’s a matter of driving accuracy and putting at Pebble. Els can do both well. It’d be neat to see Ernie win it again. His story on he and his wife’s mission to find a cure for Autism, as their six-year old son, Ben, has it, is a heartwarming story.
4.Lee Westwood-Probably the hottest golfer on the tour right now after his victory in Memphis last week. Has the game, but can he get it done in crunch time? Not so sure. He’s the best player not to have won a Major, and has been in the hunt quite a bit. Maybe he can get over the top this time.
5. Jim Furyk- Always a factor in the U.S. Not long at all, but accurate and a great putter when he’s on. Played pretty well this year; won at Transitions in Florida. If he putts well and keeps it straight, he’ll be in the hunt.
6. Padraig Harrington-Certainly capable. Great putter also, when he’s got it going. Has good length. Just a solid player overall, but has shown a propensity to blow it in crunch time. If he can handle the pressure, he’s got a shot.
7. Angel Cabrera-Won the U.S. Open at Oakmont in 2007 and the Masters last year. Has great length and is an excellent putter. Should be a factor in this. Course laid out well for him. If he can drive it straight, he can get it done.
8. Dustin Johnson-I don’t love this pick, but the fact that he has won the last two AT&T’s at Pebble puts him in the hunt. Great young player who has the total game.
9.Lucas Glover-Long and straight. Another excellent putter when he’s on. Won it last year. Has the mental toughness to get it done. Smart player with a ton of talent.
10. K.J. Choi-I never count him out. Good length, very nice putter. Has that mental toughness that all Asian players have. He has a chance.
Three others:
1. Y.E. Yang-Mental toughness. Great player. Major winner.
2. Sergio Garcia-Maybe one of these years he’s going to get over the top. Westwood has supplanted him as best player not to have won a Major as Sergio has fallen back some. But capable.
3. Vijay Singh-Can’t totally count him out. It’s getting late in his career, but he’s still got a good game. Has length. If he can putt well, he’s got an outside shot.
Pick to win it:
I think it’s harder to pick a winner in a Major golf tournament than it is in any other sport. I’m going with Phil. Playing well this year. Seems to have the confidence to get it done this year. Tiger and the others could do it, but I’ll go with Phil.
(Ernie Els has the game, photo above.) (Like the way Phil is playing, below.)
