U.S. Open golf: The U.S. Open, the second of golf's four major tournaments for 2011, tees off Thursday morning at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.
With Tiger Woods, a three-time winner of the Open, not playing because of injury, determining a favorite is difficult, writes GOLF magazine's Cameron Morfit.
Much of the focus will be on Phil Mickelson, who has four victories in major tournaments but has yet to win a U.S. Open. Mickelson has finished second five times in the U.S. Open. But Mickelson has never fared well at Congressional, Morfit writes.
Other players to watch include Briton Luke Donald, the world's No. 1-ranked player; Steve Stricker, currently the highest-ranked American in the world and a winner at last weekend's Memorial Tournament in Ohio; defending champion Graeme McDowell, and Hunter Mahan, who shot 62 in the last competitive round he played at Congressional, Morfit writes.
When the 111th U.S. Open begins on Thursday at Congressional Country Club, they will lead the strongest European contingent to ever compete in our national championship.
Here's how the European challengers stack up:
Luke Donald: He's No. 1 in the world but has a miserable track record at the U.S. Open, He had a T47 at Pebble Beach, missed the cut in 2007 and 2009, withdrew in 2008 and tied for 12th in 2006. So if Donald is going to be the winner on Sunday, he'll have to reverse that trend. He has a world-class short game, solid irons but is testy with the driver, it can get a bit wayward at times and that would not bode well at Congressional.
Lee Westwood: Came close in 2008 when Tiger Woods won on a broken leg. Westwood finished third, outside the playoff. He had a T47 last year at Pebble Beach and T23 in 2009. The putter is what has held him back. World class driver and iron striker, mediocre putter. It's the reason he's majorless in his career.
Martin Kaymer: Proven winner at the PGA last summer, knows how to handle pressure in the big spotlight. Solid player who putts well. He hasn't had a great year so far which means he's due for a good showing.
Graeme McDowell: Players simply don't win back-to-back U.S. Opens, not in recent years, anyway. McDowell had a puzzling meltdown in the third round of the Wales Open at Celtic Manor which begs the question of how he'll fare this week. He was a surprise winner last year but isn't sneaking up on anyone at Congressional.
Rory McIlroy: He was simply brilliant at the Masters before his total collapse on the back nine on Sunday. He's been answering questions about it ever since. He has the talent but perhaps not enough experience in the big arena.
Paul Casey: The world's No. 10 player isn't even in the pre-tournament conversation. Talk about flying under the radar, he's crawling under the fences on his belly. He has the ability but has yet to step up and be heard from in this major.
Charl Schwartzel: The Masters champion has been quiet since Augusta. One thing's for sure, don't look for anyone to finish birdie-birdie-birdie-birdie to win on Sunday at Congressional. Simply won't happen.
Ian Poulter: Here's a guy who fits the profile for unsung, unheralded U.S. Open winners. Strong game. Beat Donald to win the European match play championship, gained a lot of confidence. He is good around the greens and a solid iron player. Missed only one cut in the last five years and that was because he withdrew in 2008.
Francesco Molinari: Proven player on the European Tour, solid all-around game, Ryder Cup experience makes him a solid pick this week. Fast track will help him.
Matteo Manassero: Best young player in the field. He plays a precision game, good control with the driver. Might struggle with the length of Congressional. Not used to the spotlight yet as he was a bit overwhelmed when paired the last round at Wentworth with Donald and Westwood. Still a great talent looking to get in the mix.
There are plenty more like Martin Laird of Scotland, a winner on the PGA Tour who has enormous length, Alvaro Quiros of Spain, who has length but perhaps not the short game required.
Sergio Garcia is starting to play really good golf again. His ball striking has been solid but the age old question of putting still bothers him but he's played well at Congressional and it wouldn't be surprising to see him jump into the mix.
Open champion Louis Oosthuizen has been strangely quiet this year after winning his first major a year ago.
Whichever way you look at it, this year's European contingent is stronger than ever and indicative of the shift in the world balance of golf.
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