Whenever a major championship is looming, I can’t help but sit here brimming with anticipation. Each major holds a special place in my heart.
The U.S. Open, national championship of the United States conducted by the USGA, is as tough a test as any player will face in any particular year. The coolest thing is that it’s a democratic major. Got game? Then play your way in. If your handicap index is 1.4 or better, you have a shot. A tiny, minuscule, wee, infinitesimal, chance. But hey, it’s a chance.
I love the difficulty of the courses during the U.S. Open. Many people have unkind words to describe those conditions. I say, bring it on. Not because I want to see pros getting embarrassed on such a difficult course, but because the best will rise to the top. A player that isn’t at the top of his game for four rounds won’t be a factor. A player that plays intelligently, with precision, will rise to the challenge. A player that doesn’t know when to take risks or isn’t having a good ball striking week will go down in flames.
I’m having trouble trying to pick a winner this year. Tiger Woods is usually a safe pick, but he’s been injured for a while. He hasn’t played a tournament since the Masters, but he’s ready to go now. He may not win, but I wouldn’t bet against him.
How about Trevor Immelman? He won the Masters this year, but only has 2 top ten finishes in 13 starts.
Phil? I think he always has to be considered. We all know he’s had some bad moments in U.S. Opens, but without a doubt, he could find himself contending on Sunday.
There are so many cases to be made for different players. Justin Leonard won last week. Does he have more major magic? Boo Weekly is an excellent ball striker and has been playing well. Maybe it’s his week. Anthony Kim is an up-and-comer whose time may be here. Can Ogilvy win another? Is Vijay over the hill?
There are so many guys that have a shot.
I’m undecided. How about you? Who’s going to win?
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I absolutely love the majors as well, they’re all special and very different from each other. We always need to watch Els and the US (I haven’t followed him much this year though, how’s he doing?). If I had to wager my paycheck though it would be on Tiger (obvious right?) Mike Weir has been hitting the ball great lately and we know he’s good under pressure. Here’s my dark horse: well..I’ll just stick with Weir for that.
Bruce H.
I have no clue either this year. It might as well be Tiger, Phil or Sergio but I’m sure about two things…….It ‘s going to be a great tournament and the winner wont be a Dutchman.
kind regards,
George
The Netherlands
Weir is usually a solid choice, Bruce. The only thing that he has going against him is that he’s switched over to the Stack and Tilt swing this year and could still be ironing that out. He finished tied for second at the Memorial but only has two top-ten finishes this year. So, he could go either way. He’s obviously proven himself as a major winner, so we’ll see.
Els has 2 top-ten finishes in 8 starts in the U.S. with one win, and also 3 top-tens in Europe in 9 starts. I wouldn’t count him out.
Of course, the winner could simply come out of nowhere and not even be someone that’s had a great season so far.
What’s up with that, George? We need someone representing The Netherlands in the U.S. Open!
Hi D.E.
We do have a couple of good players on the European Tour. But Derksen and Lafeber didn’t want to play the qualifying and Joost Luiten has a wristinjury. I recon he will be in the Open next year, and I think he has a chance to make a good result. Watch out, Tiger!!
).
George
I just got done watching Tiger Woods put on a show with ONE LEG! This guy is an animal. 17 and 18 were the most exciting holes on tour this year without a doubt.
It’s too bad I had to miss most of Saturday’s round. Well, it looks like I was right about one thing: Tiger Woods can never be counted out. On the other hand, pretty much all the other guys I mentioned fizzled out.
Wow Tiger Woods is a champion in a league of his own. To compete AND win with a leg injury….it’s like a fantasy story!