U.S. Open Preview

To me, there are 9 clear contenders, plus I am adding in Cink to make it an even 10.
* Phil
* Furyk
* Westwood
* Els
* Harrington
* Goosen
* Donald
* Tiger
* VJ Singh
* Cink

To me, the prohibitive favorite is Phil. But we know Phil always disappoints when so much is expected of him. Therefore, I am sticking with my pre-season pick, Padraig Harrington. Despite not having a ton of form and coming off of knee surgery, Paddy has played Pebble well in the AT&T, is a grinder, and has one of the best short games in the world, a much needed skill set on the small set of greens at Pebble. Also remember this, Paddy won the British Open with a bum wrist. Maybe he slides under the radar again with his questionable form and recovering knee.

Lets consider the rest of my contenders:
*Phil - The best outcome in my mind. It would give Phil his coveted National Open major and put him 1/2 way to the Grand Slam with the home of golf ahead, the most likely course in the British rota he could win. As I said above, Phil confounds and I will be rooting for him, but I have my doubts.
* Furyk - 2 wins already this year and a former Champ, he doesn't need to be long to contend on this track and his good iron play and accuracy bode well for his chances if he is on his game.
* Westwood - Although possibly the most consistent player in the world right now, I don't like his ability to close the deal in the big events. Sure, he won last week, but he didn't really 'close', if you know what I mean. Thanks Mr. Garrigus! He is playing so well, he will top 10, but I don't like his chipping game enough to make him my pick this week.
* The Big Easy - 2nd place in 2000 and 2 wins himself in 2010, this would be the 2nd best scenario to me after Phil. I still don't know if Ernie can shake his demons coming down the stretch in a big event. I would pick Ernie if conditions were supposed to be blustery, but I hear the winds will be tame.
* Goosen - Was having a solid start to the year before breaking his toe, horsing around with his kids a couple of weeks prior to the Players. Despite the layoff, managed a top 15 in Memphis on a difficult track. Not sure he can keep it straight all 72 holes, but 2 wins makes him a contender.
* Donald - I know. His recent solid play was on the European Tour, but winning breeds confidence and he has been building it of late. Played decent at Torrey Pines a few years back before hurting his wrist. I don't think he can actually win it, but his accuracy bodes well on a track that isn't a monster.
* VJ Singh - Yes, VJ Singh. Has been fighting injuries all year, but is close according to him and I believe him. Just when you want to count VJ out, he bounces back. He has a good record in the AT&T here and doesn't need to make a ton of putts to go 20 under par. Don't say I didn't tell you so.
* TW - Anyone who doesn't think Tiger can't put it together in an event that rewards patience is simply letting the last few months cloud his vision of the last 12-13 years. Will he blow away the field? No. Will he contend? I am saying Yes. The best story for the regular sports guy. I am not the regular sports guy but it would be huge globally.
* Cink - Admittedly, he was the last on my list, but despite doing nothing since Turnberry, I feel like he is a U.S. Open player and is due for a good week out of nowhere.