And with that, here is my top-25 for the upcoming U.S. Open, with a caveat: Just in case you didn’t realize it from the guy in the No. 1 position, these aren’t the favorites, but rather my predicted order of finish.
1. Edoardo Molinari
If the similarities with recent winners aren’t enough, he also won a U.S. Amateur on an East Coast, tree-lined course.
2. Alvaro Quiros
The longest hitter on any major tour, when his short game is on, he can be unbelievably tough to beat.
3. Robert Karlsson
Last year’s hot play one week beforehand in Memphis led to a T-27; this year expect much better.
4. Matt Kuchar
Based on recent track record, tough to envision a leaderboard anywhere that doesn’t include Kooch.
5. Justin Rose
Hampered by a few illnesses, but now ready to contend and always gets hot this time of year.
6. Lee Westwood
Close calls in majors – five top-3s in last four years – should be perceived as positive experiences rather than bad signs.
7. Dustin Johnson
When one interviewer recently told DJ that lengthy Congressional suits his game, his eyes lit up.
8. Phil Mickelson
This championship is Lefty’s white whale, but he’ll soar in the polls with a win in the nation’s capital.
9. Davis Love III
Ryder Cup captain likes his chances at Congressional. “It’s big, long and hard,” he said. “Suits my game.”
10. Luke Donald
Fifteen top-10s in last 16 starts, but zero in seven career U.S. Open starts. Something’s gotta give.
11. Gary Woodland
First player to reach field via new U.S. Golf Association exemption policy for top 50 in the world after FedEx St. Jude.
12. Hunter Mahan
Even this ball-striker supreme can’t hit all the greens – and he’s been known to be dicey from greenside rough.
13. Rory McIlroy
Great story if he can recover from back-nine meltdown at Augusta to contend once again.
14. Steve Stricker
World No. 4 owns just three career top-5s in majors – but two of ‘em were at the Open.
15. Nick Watney
Rarely mentioned among PGA Tour’s longest hitters, but his distance off the tee matches almost anyone.
16. Patrick Cantlay (a)
Hot on the heels of winning the Jack Nicklaus Award as a UCLA freshman, he cruised through the PGA Tour player-laden Columbus sectional.
17. Fredrik Jacobson
Known as “Junkman,” this noted scrambler should benefit if the leading score remains close to par.
18. Martin Kaymer
Hasn’t played his best golf recently, but the reigning PGA champion has the talent to win anywhere, anytime.
19. Francesco Molinari
If the other Molinari brother wins the title, I’m taking partial credit with my pick to win.
20. Ian Poulter
Quickly becoming known as a match play magician, he could thrive in a final-round final pairing.
21. Jonathan Byrd
Longtime pro is enjoying a breakthrough season with one win and a few other title contentions.
22. Robert Rock
One of the few players on a major tour without a hat deal, he looks like a throwback without one.
23. K.J. Choi
Once won the AT&T at Congo, but No Player has ever won the Players and U.S. Open in same year.
24. Jim Furyk
Has yet to win this year, but remember: His U.S. Open victory in 2003 was first of that season, too.
25. Fred Funk
No, he’s no longer competitive on the PGA Tour, but the Maryland native may find some magic this week.
Edited 6/10/11 by AztecGold
Edited 6/10/11 by AztecGold