by Jeff Skinner
All right it’s time for all the fun to begin down here in Pinehurst at the 114th U.S. Open. Today’s first round kicks off an unprecedented run of two consecutive weeks of USGA Championships here on Pinehurst No.2.
The men start the balls rolling this morning and after they crown their champion (hopefully on Sunday) the women take the stage at their U.S. Women’s. There’s never been anything like this in major championship golf. It is bound to be an exciting and very interesting week.
Of course if it is a major championship we boys here at Links Life Golf have to make fools of ourselves and go ahead and pick some winners.
The Greek: Man of very few words likes Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and his favorite boy, Jason Dufner. I think he actually likes Duf’s hot wife Amanda.
Little Skins: Phil Mickelson gets his slam. Rory McIlroy begins his major run at Jack. Ian Poulter…back to back Brits. Dark Horse…Miguel Angel Jimenez if he can finally put one great and three decent rounds together.
Big Dick: Phil Mickelson – winner, because it’s time for him. Sergio Garcia, second choice, because it’s really time. Rory McIlroy – without a woman all he has now is time. Dark Horse – K.J Choi, it’s about time an Asian won it.
G. Rennie: Pinehurst #2 beckons the elite of professional golf back to the Sandhills for the third playing of the US Open since 1999. Past experience on the course, however, isn’t that much of a boost since Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have built a time machine that transports the field to the 1940’s and a truly unique, and new, golf course. It will take a magician to tame the wire grass, uneven sand and upside down greens of #2 this week. My three wizards of the week are: Phil Mickelson- Phil goes back to the past in more than one way as his first trip to the runner up position at the Open came here in ’99. Not only will Phil need magic but he’ll need to perform an exorcism of all those demons that have bedeviled him over his Open career. So if Philly Mick comes to the first tee Thursday decked out in priestly vestments, so be it, do what it takes. This guy has an unrivaled imagination and skill set in the short game. Driving inaccuracy won’t be penalized like at an ordinary USGA Open set up which augurs well. If Phil’s putting stroke-of-the week holds up he’ll be holding his golfing Holy Grail, the US Open Trophy.
Bubba Watson- this new wide open set up screams BUBBA GOLF and the other big lefty on Tour has to be licking his chops at the revamped #2. Bubba sees shots no one else sees, he hits it a mile high and he’s chock fill of confidence with a second green jacket hanging in the closet.
Mike Weir- no, not really, but it’s tempting to pick a trio of lefties. Rory McIlroy- Rory Mc is back as his convincing victory at Wentworth shows. He plays the power game like few others and can go very low when the putter is hot. Remember that he lit up St. Andrew’s on day one of the 2010 Open Championship with a 63 in a round that displayed great touch around and on the greens. Without the tennis star distraction he’s back in focus, looking for major #3. Long Shot- Graeme McDowell. Graeme has been looking for his form recently and my hunch is he finds it this week. He knows how to stand up under the pressure of major events as he’s both clinched a Ryder Cup and the 2010 US Open. Slante!
Big Skins: So once again G. Rennie picks before me and takes my guys leaving me in a tough spot. Anyway, here goes. Phil Mickelson, of course I am picking Phil, I always do and how can I be at the scene of this U.S. Open and not cheer for the best story of the year. If Phil can find a way to do it the tears and champagne will be flowing for a long time.
I was thinking about Bubba but after hearing him whine about the greens and say he was laying up on holes I’ll pass. In his stead I’ll go with Jordan Spieth. He talks and plays like an old veteran so why can’t he win a major like one.
I’ll go with the chalk and tab Rory McIlroy as my third winner pick. I am thinking that a high ball hitter with a lot less baggage on his mind can get his third major.
My Dark Horse is Graeme McDowell and yes, G. Rennie picked him also but great thinkers think alike.
Let’s hope this Open lives up to all the hype and our expectations. I want to see history being made here on Sunday.
Related Articles
