Cole’s call: Ten likely to have a shot at U.S. Open

Pretend it’s an Open Championship on a hilly, dry links in Scotland, only warmer. Now try to pick just one player from the herd in this week’s U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. Close your eyes. Guess. Here are 10 who ought to contend:

• Jordan Spieth: The wild card is how much the Masters champion will remember from playing the U.S. Amateur here. Has all the shots, but not much experience at links golf.

• Rory McIlroy: Like Tiger in his prime, it’s impossible to leave him out of the mix. Four majors already, great attitude coming in, and all the game in the world.

• Justin Rose: Finding his game again, and quite at home on this style of course. Has the temperament for it, and a U.S. Open win under his belt.

• Rickie Fowler: Loves the big stage, plays well in majors, and his Players Championship win should get him over the mental hump. • Henrik Stenson: Probably a sentimental pick, so sue me. Funny, charming, lots of game and so good he really ought to have a major by now.

• Sergio Garcia: He’s like Stenson minus the funny, charming part. Terrific ball striker, and getting closer to believing he

can do this.

• Dustin Johnson: Boom or bust pick. If he hits it on the planet, he has the distance to burn it up. The mental part? Not so sure.

• Bubba Watson: Because imagination is going to be big this week, on this course, and few have more of it than Watson. If he putts well …

• Patrick Reed: Not likable, but the golf ball doesn’t know that. He’s tenacious, and loves pressure, and he can really putt.

• Jason Day: If he’s healthy (and he’s had all kinds of issues), he has everything it takes to win on this course. Big if, but life’s a gamble.