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The US Open gets underway today with the world’s leading golfers fighting it out at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda.
One man missing from the field is Tiger Woods. The biggest name in golf withdrew from the tournament earlier this month through injury and his presence will no doubt be missed.
Woods hasn’t played too much of late, but to see him return for the US Open would have been quite something. All eyes would have been on his progress and as ever, he would have revelled in it.
However, golf has moved on somewhat from being dominated by one man. Of course the injuries and personal problems Woods has had have contributed to this, but the form of a select few players has too.
This includes English duo Lee Westwood and Luke Donald. They are the two leading players in the world at the moment and the men to beat when it comes to US Open betting.
Neither has won a major tournament before, but in current form you would be brave to bet against them. As current World No.1, Donald has been sublime in 2011, winning five tournaments in all.
It is refreshing for English golf that these two are playing so well and it would be even better if one of them could seal the US Open crown this week.
Behind these two in the list of most likely winners is a man who has had plenty of major success – Phil Mickelson. The American has been there and done it all before and if the winner was decided on experience alone, he would win hands down.
With the backing of the home crowd, Mickelson will be roared on from the first tee and this could give him the edge. Of course it isn’t a deciding factor, but an in-form and injury-free Mickelson at the US Open has to be considered as one of the favourites.
Donald, Westwood and Mickelson are leading the way then. They are the three most likely winners. However, it is never quite as simple as that.
Looking at the other candidates, Rory McIlroy is slightly further adrift from the top three as he looks to put his final days Masters performance well and truly behind him.
He is then followed by Dustin Johnson, Hunter Mahan and Steve Stricker. Even those further down the list can’t be dismissed though, including reigning Champions Graeme McDowell.
It is one of the most difficult tournaments to predict though. Everyone seems to raise their game, even the outsiders.
However, with Mickelson admitting that it is one of the most difficult US Open courses for many years, the best could be separated from the rest. Don’t be surprised if it all comes down to a play-off come Sunday.
Who are you backing?
