After a few consecutive weeks off of golf coverage, Charlie and I are back to cover the U.S. Open. I have been assigned the ever difficult task of picking a few favorites, from across the world, to contend for the second major championship of the year. There are a few that jump off the page but I am going to give you a couple others that may sneak their way into contention on Sunday afternoon.1) Rory McIlroy
With his fellow Nike boy Mr. Woods riding the pine, Rory seems to be the hands down favorite to snag this championship. Rory has been playing great golf this year, but only grabbed one win on the 2014 campaign. After failing to finish the job at The Honda Classic, he ditched his fiance and won a big tournament across the pond; The BMW PGA Championship. Rory has one of the greatest approach games in golf and knows what it takes to win this tournament. Although he was only 16 the last time the USGA was at Pinehurst, Rory has one the U.S. Open in 2011 and finish in the top 10 one more time in his five total attempts. Look for Rory to ‘Own the Second Shot’ and string together some exciting golf.
2) Sergio Garcia
It seems to be tradition that somehow Sergio makes his way into SnoTap major columns. He is the kind of guy you just can’t ignore, especially here. Sergio is the only pro playing this week that finished in the top 10 back in 2005. He carded at impressive T3 result that year. Although Garcia missed the cut at Augusta earlier this year, he finished 3rd at The Players, the Tour’s fifth major. Sergio is second in GIR from non-fairway situations, which may be a commonality throughout the week.
3) Miguel Angel Jimenez
Another Spaniard? Why not!? If this isn't the year of Adam Scott, it is defiantly the year of Jimenez. He is well known as ‘The Most Interesting Man in Golf’ but he is yet to crown himself a major champion. Although he is yet to miss a cut in 2014, he hasn't fared well in U.S. Opens in the past. He will have to capitalize on his short game and mid-distance approach because he is not able to get off the tee like the young guns.
4) Louis Oosthuizen
From a guy that hasn't won a major to a guy who has won one, but nobody remembers; I think Louis may find himself hanging around come Sunday. Louis is a great ball striker but can just have a streaky game at times. In 2011, the year that Rory won, Oosty finished in a tie for ninth at Congressional. Although he only has one top 10 so far this year, I think he will find a way to grace the leaderboard when it matters.
5) Adam Scott
The man that cannot be ignored. Scott is not known for play well at the U.S. Open but I don’t think it matters. His last 12 months prove he can win/contend anywhere. The Aussie has never finished higher than 15th in this major but his record so far this season shows he will at least be around for the weekend. Adam’s worst finish this year came at The Players with a tie for 38th, which is still nothing to be ashamed of. Look for him to do what he does best and ride the momentum to success.
3) Miguel Angel Jimenez
Another Spaniard? Why not!? If this isn't the year of Adam Scott, it is defiantly the year of Jimenez. He is well known as ‘The Most Interesting Man in Golf’ but he is yet to crown himself a major champion. Although he is yet to miss a cut in 2014, he hasn't fared well in U.S. Opens in the past. He will have to capitalize on his short game and mid-distance approach because he is not able to get off the tee like the young guns.
4) Louis Oosthuizen
From a guy that hasn't won a major to a guy who has won one, but nobody remembers; I think Louis may find himself hanging around come Sunday. Louis is a great ball striker but can just have a streaky game at times. In 2011, the year that Rory won, Oosty finished in a tie for ninth at Congressional. Although he only has one top 10 so far this year, I think he will find a way to grace the leaderboard when it matters.
5) Adam Scott
The man that cannot be ignored. Scott is not known for play well at the U.S. Open but I don’t think it matters. His last 12 months prove he can win/contend anywhere. The Aussie has never finished higher than 15th in this major but his record so far this season shows he will at least be around for the weekend. Adam’s worst finish this year came at The Players with a tie for 38th, which is still nothing to be ashamed of. Look for him to do what he does best and ride the momentum to success.
-Bryan
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar