The U.S. Open begins Thursday at Chambers Bay. Here’s our look at possible winners:
Jordan Spieth: Has to be the favorite in the eyes of many observers. Chambers Bay requires patience, accuracy and great imagination when it comes to the short game. Spieth checks all those boxes with a level of maturity not seen in a young player since Tiger Woods. Add to the fact that he’s the only guy in the field with a major championship to his credit in 2015.
Rory McIlroy: The world’s No. 1 player has not been a very solid links-style player. His game is very Americanized, if you will. Still he has all the skills to take this title and chalk up his fifth major championship. But the question remains: can he shake off back-to-back missed cuts in his last two appearances in Europe?
Bubba Watson: There’s not a tree on the golf course that comes in to play which gives Bubba a lot of room to his those big cuts and hooks that are his trademarks. You can’t win the Masters without a great short game and Bubba checks that box. The big variable with Watson is attitude. If he likes a course, he can win. If he gets into trouble early at Chambers Bay and starts sulking, stick a fork in him ’cause he’s done.
Justin Rose: Has a complete game and a U.S. Open title to his resume. Really good driver of the ball and superb iron player. Will have to show an effective short game for the slopes and challenges of Chambers Bay.
Phil Mickelson: After six runnerup finishes in this event, one might think Lefty’s jinxed. He’s coming in with momentum from the final round in Memphis. He says he loves the course. His short game has the skill needed. Big question mark is his driver. If he can keep the ball in play, he could be right there on Sunday.
Martin Kaymer: He’s the defending champion but suffice to say no one has gone back-to-back since Curtis Strange in 1988 and 1989.
Jimmy Walker: King of the lousy field events on the PGA Tour. Still has to prove he has what it takes to win a major.
Jamie Donaldson: One of the solid players on the European Tour. Look for a lot of players you may not be familiar with popping up on the leaderboards this week. After all, this looks like the U.S. British Open.
Danny Willett: He’s been outstanding across the pond. Don’t be surprised.
Henrik Stenson: World class player, ranked sixth in the world but still hasn’t won a major. Might be the guy who holds the dreaded title: “Best player in the world without a major championship.”
Hideki Matsuyama: Has all tools to contend.
Jim Furyk: Is it possible for the No. 3 player in the world to be flying totally under the radar? Believe it.
Dustin Johnson: Hasn’t performed well in the past when the pressure was turned up.
Rickie Fowler: Contended in very major last year, if he putts well, could end up holding the trophy on Sunday. Butch Harmon is taking Rickie’s game to a higher level.
