What Lincoln is Thinkin’ - Torrey Pines Preview
As the U.S. Open gets going on Thursday, here's a list of big questions answers going into Torrey Pines.Q: Is Tiger still the favorite?
A: Unquestionably. Woods has remained relatively mum about how his knee feels after the surgery, but he is still at the top of his game mentally. He's won at Torrey Pines an amazing 6 times. He knows the course better than anyone else, except for maybe Phil. But, with the two of them playing together the first two days, I give Tiger the big-time advantage to deal with the huge crowd that will be following that first group.
Q: Is it time for another first-time, non-American US Open winner?
A: The last four US Open winners have been from somewhere other than the U.S., and the last three have won only one major. This year there are some young international players looking to break through - Adam Scott and Sergio Garcia in particular. These two have won on the tour the past few months, and are playing some of their best golf ever. They are arguably the two best golfers never to have won a major, and they could do it this week. Also watch out for Justin Rose and Paul Casey - two Brits who always have a shot at winning majors, but haven't put it together yet. You want some international longshots? Watch out for Ryuji Imada, Stephen Ames and Aaron Baddeley who may all contend this week.
Q: What types of golfers will struggle this week?
A: Most golf tournament come down to green play, but this week, the golfers that have trouble off the tee will struggle the most. This year's open is playing as the longest major ever. So guys who don't get a lot of length off the tee, like Luke Donald and Justin Leonard, probably don't hit the ball long enough to contend. Then other guys who are at the bottom of driving accuracy, like Andres Romero, Charles Howell III and Angel Cabrera will struggle.
Q: But wait a minute, Cabrera won the US Open last year, what do you mean he doesn't have a chance?
A: The US Open is not like the Masters. It happens at a different golf course every year - so just because Cabrera, Geoff Ogilvy and Retief Goosen have won the event recently, does not mean they have a good chance of contending this week.
Q: Will we see another winning score over par?
A: I don't think so. Torrey Pines is playing long, but the golfers are saying it's playing very fair. The fairways are 10 yards wider than some US Opens in the past, and the greens, while a helluva long way from the tee box, are a more inviting (flatter and slower) then Oakmont last year. It will be a tough test of golf, but expect at least a few scores in the red.
Q: Does Dustin Johnson have a shot at competing?
A: The Coastal Carolina grad spent an extra week in San Diego practicing for his first major. He should take the time to enjoy each shot, look over cliffs and beaches, and really just savor the moment. Because his US Open experience will only last two days.
What are you thinkin' about the US Open?
Posted by on 06/11 at 02:40 PM
