So far no one from the Federal Trade Commission has called me out on my self proclaimed expert status, so let's keep goin' with this year's US Open Championship at The Olympic Club, San Francisco, CA. Fitting I suppose, being an Olympic year and all. It'll play at par 70, 7073 yds., with a 670 yd. par 5 squeezed in somehow. Tree-lined fairways and tiny, well protected greens are the hallmark. Shoulder deep rough means you don't have to be long here, but you def gotta be strong. So, pick a straight hitting body builder with a magician's touch on the car hood greens. Ladbrokes will help with the odds, we'll tell you where to
Tiger Woods, 8/1 - Who else?Y'all know the drill. Of course he can win. Rounding into form. Driver tells the story with toothpick fairways. Hits the stinger, should win.
Lee Westwood, 12/1 - There's a reason he hasn't won a major. Ain't got the stones. Save your money.
Luke Donald, 12/1 - Missing some strength needed here, but can putt lights out. Possible, not likely.
Rory McIlroy, 16/1 - Defends. 5 tool guy. Can win.
Phil Mickelson, 20/1 - I don't see it with his wildness, but he's Phil. 1st two hyper competitive days with Piano Teeth will help. Can win.
Dustin Johnson, 25/1 - Fine as long as you don't have to think yourself around the course. Not here.
Matt Kuchar, 25/1 - Like him a ton. Long enough, straight enough. Putts like a banshee. (Banshees putt?).
Justin Rose, 25/1 - Gee, tough one. Everything says he can. Still, unknown lingering doubt. Goin' with no.
Rickie Fowler, 33/1 - If he's on, yes. If not, no. I know that sounds obvious, but Fowler has a ton of moving parts. Timing is crucial in his swing. We'll see.
Adam Scott, 40/1 - Tee to green, right up there. Broomstick is the problem. My great friend Chris Romeo is taking him, so I can't.
Steve Stricker, 40/1 - Gift pick at these odds. Game is tailor made for this course. Very possible.
Sergio Garcia, 40/1 - Nope. Serious head case. Needs help. May be there on Friday, not after.
Hunter Mahan, 40/1 - Resting on his laurels from earlier in the season. Possible, doubt it.
Jim Furyk, 40/1 - Hmm... Not sure. Has game suited for this track. Good for a flier.
Zach Johnson,40/1 - Can't count him out. Huge competitor behind the perma-smile. Like him.
The rest of the 156 man field is at 50/1+. There's some great picks in there including a number of major champions, ie Watson, Oosthuizen, Harrington, Els, Goosen (hmm...), Love III, Singh, Yang, Immelman, Kaymer, Schwartzel, Campbell. Unfortunately, here at Average Golfer, typing isn't our strong suit, so we had to stop somewhere. However, our
1. Matt Kuchar
2. Tiger Woods
3. Zach Johnson
Dark Horse
Carl Pettersson
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