One thing you can count on at a U.S. Open is that there will be a lot of one-round wonders, guys you don’t know, players you’ve never heard of. Typically, they can’t sustain under the extreme pressure of this championship.
This eye-opening layout at Chambers Bay lends itself to more possibilities than the traditional U.S. Open layouts. More possibilities for a large number of players, particularly those from the European Tour.
Here’s a look at some names that could surface starting Thursday.
Ryan Moore: He’s a Pacific Northwest guy who is gritty and has a nice overall game, he wears non-traditional golf shoes so that should make his feet feel better on the 8-10 mile walk around this course.
Miguel Angel Jimenez: Wiley old veteran and he is elderly compared to most of the field. He’s already playing the senior circuit but is still a factor in European Tour events. Has the ball-striking skills to do well on this course but you wonder if the physical demands might wear on him over the weekend if he’s there.
Zach Johnson: Control player, skilled wedge player and that part of his game should serve him well at Chambers Bay. Lots of great experience.
Keegan Bradley: You wonder where he’s been since he won the PGA?
Charl Schwartzel: Magnificent ball striker, might be struggling with the putter and that’s one area where players will need to be extra sharp this week with the huge, undulating putting surfaces.
Tony Finau: PGA Tour rookie who has been showing up week after week. He’s got Dustin Johnson power off the tee. Inexperience in the U.S. Open is drawback.
Francesco Molinari: Everyone got a good look at this sporty Italian star at the Memorial. Has the skills to play well at Chambers Bay.
Hunter Mahan: Has the ball striking but not the short game.
Thomas Aiken: Another popular name from the European Tour, not very well known in the States.
Patrick Reed: Tough competitor, lots of skills, won’t get many nice guy votes from guys who played with him in college. Has the instincts to contend.
Sergio Garcia: Eighth-ranked player in the world, may be the best ball-striker in the world but sometimes totally hapless with the putter. Can’t see the paint brush working that well at Chambers Bay. Still, would be a great story if he broke through and finally won a major. Stranger things have happened.
