The upcoming men’s US Open is almost upon us. A few key points I would like to get at before the predictions this week.
1. If the weather is not too windy, a long hitter will win. The course is just too long for an average driver to be hitting long irons and woods into par 4’s. It is not the par 3’s or par 5’s where the long hitters have the huge advantage… it is the 515 yard par 4’s.
2. Lag putting will be key. These huge greens will allow a crazy assortment of possible options, depending on the speed of the greens. We will see how aggressive the USGA gets with pin placements and speed this week.
My Favorites to Win 2015 US Open
1. Rory McIlroy – An obvious choice. Well, some think his last two outings dampen his chances. Not me. Rory plays in big boy world now and those just are not the same to him. Another huge factor is he may not be penalized as much by wayward drives this week, depending on if they can make the rough deep enough, allowing his distance to be even more of an advantage.
2. Justin Rose – Peaking at just the right time, this recent US Open champ is playing very well and has the game to win again. He is long enough of the tee and has amazing iron play, giving him a great chance this week. His Euro play also has led him to be used to windy conditions, in case the weather does not cooperate near the Pacific Ocean.
3. Sergio Garcia- While his swing is completely different, Sergio’s game is much like Rose. Accurate off the tee and crisp iron play. Above average distance. All key factors to win a US Open. However, the question about Sergio that still remains is if his mental game is tough enough to win a major. I say yes.
4. Phil Mickelson – The career grand slam has only be won by five golfers: Woods, Nicklaus, Player, Hogan, Sarazen. That’s right; not Palmer, Watson, Seve or another other golfer. Just 5. (One could argue Bobby Jones…). And Phil has been playing somewhat decent… what a storyline that would be come Sunday: Phil going for career grand slam while Spieth is going for back to back majors.
Longshot Odds to Win 2015 US Open
1. Harris English – This young talent is ready to break though. He could surprise this week.
2. Gary Woodland – His loss to Rory in the match play helped him more than anything.
3. Louis Oosthuizen – This former major winner should be up there more often. Great swing. Solid Distance. Needs to putt better.
4. Charl Schwartzel – See guy #3 above.
Also, Tiger Woods is now 33-1 to win this week. Please do not waste your money on that. He should be 330-1.
I hope my US Open Expert Picks get you a winner here in 2015. Good luck.
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