Johnson’s the easy pick, but U.S. Open field is deep
If you’re the type who just can’t watch a major without having a little skin in the game — but don’t know who you like in the field — we’ve got you covered. Here’s a handful of players who could make some noise at the U.S. Open, which starts Thursday in Erin, Wis.: The favourite: Dustin Johnson
We know, we know, Dustin Johnson is an easy pick — but that’s because there’s no reason not to pick him. Since winning last year’s U.S. Open, all the 32-year-old American has done is win five more times and grab the world No. 1 ranking.
Golf’s biggest, baddest player fits right in at this 264-hectare course that can play as long as the USGA wants. If the course plays soft because of rain, Johnson’s power will be an even greater strength. The work he did on his wedge game has separated him from the field more than any player since Tiger Woods.
There are, however, two reasons for caution before you make him your pool favourite: He’s coming off a rare missed cut at Memorial and he arrived at Erin Hills a little late after the birth of his second child — Paulina Gretzky’s the mother — on Monday. The stoic Johnson has proved unflappable, so he’s still our top pick. Father’s Day victory, anyone? The next level: Rickie Fowler
Fowler is our pick after the obvious names. If you take Johnson, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Jordan Spieth out of the mix, we like Fowler.
Maybe this is the year for players to get monkeys off their backs. Sergio Garcia kicked things off by winning the Masters and Fowler is the man he stuck with the best-playerto-never-win-a-major label.
Like Johnson, Fowler is unflappable, which is a must at a championship that chews up and spits out most of the field every year. When other players check out, Fowler starts grinding. He has the length you need to win at Erin Hills and is an exceptional wind player. His bag this week in Wisconsin is Green Bay Packers green and gold. More karma? If he wins the U.S. Open, then this monkey year is real, so watch out for Lee Westwood at the British Open.
The long shot: Martin Kaymer Picking a two-time major winner as a long shot seems odd, but with 66-1 odds, that’s what he is.
Trying to determine the week Kaymer puts it all together is like tryingtohitaone-iron—nexttoimpossible. the precise German is a worldbeater, and playing alongside Johnson and Spieth for the first two rounds should help.
Kaymer believes that because pros dedicate nearly all their time to practising and becoming a better player, professional golf tournaments should be gruelingly difficult. He has no patience for simple courses or easy setups. Well, this week he gets his wish. Other deep picks we like: Louis Oosthuizen at 50-1, Shane Lowry at 66-1 and Brandt Snedeker at 100-1.