They were halfway home with the U.S. Open early Saturday afternoon and with the third round getting underway, here’s a quick check of the contenders to hoist the trophy on Sunday (hopefully) as we hit the 36-hole mark:
IN THE THICK OF THE HUNT:
Dustin Johnson (67-69: 4-under): D.J. has simply been far superior to any players in the field after two rounds. He’s hit just about every fairway and 31-of-36 greens, unheard of at Oakmont. He three-putted the par five fourth twice for pars and missed a bucket-full of makeable birdie putts. This guy could easily be eight-under par and threatening to stomp the field. But he has major championship demons. Can he overcome them over the final 36?
Andrew Landry (66-71: 3-under): Give this kid credit. It was slipping away from him on Saturday, early, he was three-over on his first nine but brought it back nicely. Can he win the U.S. Open? It would be the upset of the decade.
Sergio Garcia (68-70: 2-under): Here he is once again. One of golf’s most talented ball-strikers and it is serving him well on this demanding layout. Sergio should have two or three majors by now but has none. Simple fact is Sergio won’t let Sergio win. Can he do it over the next two rounds? It would be one of golf’s feel-good stories.
Scott Piercy (68-70: 2-under): He’s a streaky player but not the kind of guy who wins a major — yet.
Shane Lowry (68-70 2-under): Very capable ball-striker. Does he have enough experience to win a major? Maybe not.
Gregory Bourdy (71-67: 2-under): Viva La France! Had a chance to threaten 63 early Saturday, should easily have been tied at the top with D.J. but his nerves showed at the 18th when he flinched on a pitch shot and ended up with a double-bogey. Can’t see him in the hunt on Sunday.
Jim Furyk (71-68: 1-under): Ah, the old warhorse is saddled up again, regaining his form after wrist surgery. Lost to Angel Cabrera here in 2007. Does he have enough gas in the tank to contend over the last 36? Would be surprising if he did.
IN NEED OF A STRONG FINAL 36:
Lee Westwood (67-72: 1-under): Had it to five-under during his second round but fell apart, then recovered to stay in touch with D.J. He’s 0-for-72 in majors. Will be 0-for-73 after Sunday. Short game will do him in.
Daniel Summerhays (74-65: 1-under): Outside of his comfort level. Can’t see him maintaining his second round magic.
Andy Sullivan (71-68: 1-under): Solid player but doesn’t have enough U.S. Open experience.
WATCH OUT FOR THESE GUYS:
Louis Oosthuizen (75-65: Even par): Knows how to come from behind in a major. Can he keep the momentum up from a superb second round?
Adam Scott (71-69: Even par): Another major champion with the right skill set. Can he make enough putts over the final 36?
Zach Johnson (71-69 Even par): If the winning score is going to be around even par, this grinder has a chance.
LONGSHOTS:
Jordan Spieth (72-72: four-over): Needs to shoot 65-65 but doesn’t look to be putting as well as he did last year.
Jason Day (76-69 five-over): After a miserable start, came back nicely in round two, like Spieth, needs two GREAT back-to-back rounds.
The course is getting tougher, the REAL OAKMONT will begin to take center stage late Saturday and all day Sunday.
One thing’s for sure, we need a champion on Sunday. This 18-hole U.S.G.A. Monday playoff simply sucks.
