2013 U.S Open Preview: The Top 10 Contenders.

The US Open heads back Merion Golf Club near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after for the first time since 1981. It’s a smallish golf course that will play to under 7000 yards, but its a US Open, which means the rough will be thick and driving the ball accurately will be a must.

The 1st/2nd pairing of Tiger Woods, Rory Mcilory, and Adam Scott should a lot of fun. If only Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods could have been paired together…

1. Tiger Woods

You might think the US Open would be the toughest for Tiger Woods to win, but since 1997 Woods has one finish outside the top 25 in a US Open he’s competed in. There’s 3 US Open wins as well. Merion is so short you won’t see Woods use his erratic drive much either. Wood didn’t play well in his most recent start finishing T65 at the Memorial, but he’s still the favorite going into this event. He’s been rock solid most of the year.

All Sports Discussion Odds of Winning: 8 to 1

2. Matt Kuchar

The former Georgia Tech star looks primed to win his first major. Kuchar has elevated his game to be among the very best golfers in the world. He won WGC World Match Play earlier this year, and just took the title Jack Nicklaus’s tournament the Memorial. He’s had 3 straight top 30 US Opens. He has the entire game to win a US Open.

All Sports Discussion Odds of Winning: 12 to 1

3. Rory Mcilory

Rory has had an uneven 2013. 4 Top 10 finishes in 9 events, but there haven’t been any wins, and there have been several tournaments where Mcilory didn’t come close to contending. He already has 2 majors including a US Open to his credit. That said he’s too talented to ignore, and too good of a player not have all come together at some point this year.

All Sports Discussion Odds of Winning: 15 to 1

4. Adam Scott

With Adam Scott’s Master’s win in April, the floodgates may be about to open for this World Class Player. Scott doesn’t have finish outside the top 30 in a stoke play event this year. He can be a little shaky off the tee and his US Open results aren’t the best, but I have feeling with his new found confidence, he’ll contend at Merion this year.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 20 to 1

5. Graeme Mcdowell

Who’s been the best US Open player over the last 3 years? I think you have to go with Graeme Mcdowell, 2 top 2 finishes including a win in 2010 and another top 10 finish. He won at a smallish course down in Hilton Head, SC earlier this year. He leads the PGA Tour in driving accuracy, and that’s absolutely essential at a US Open.

All Sports Discussion Odds of Winning: 25 to 1

6. Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson is still among the very best players in the world. He has a win this year at the Phoenix to go along with 3 more top 3 finished including this week’s St. Jude Classic. He has 9 top 10 finishes at US Open in his career. There’s no question he’s playing well enough to make run this weekend.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 30 to 1

7. Justin Rose

Outside a missed cut at the the Players Championship, Justin Rose has had a nice season. He has 4 top 10s and is 20th on the PGA Tour in driving accuracy. Rose is also in top 10 in Greens in Regulation. His putting statistics aren’t strong, but this isn’t the Masters. Rose keeps the ball in play and gets the ball on the green. That’s what you need at a US Open.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 35 to 1

8. Brandt Snedeker

In a US Open where driving distance won’t be that critical, Brandt Snedeker  might be able to make a run at his first major. 140th in Driving distance, Snedeker is in the top 20 in driving accuracy and putting. He has a couple of top 10s in US Opens, finished 6th at the Masters. Snedeker has become one of the best players in world and has 6 top 10s this year.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 40 to 1

9. Lee Westwood

Do I really think Lee Westwood can breakthrough an finally win a major. Honestly I’m not that sure. His major record is outstanding. 10 top 10 finished since 2008 with 5 overall Top 10s at the US Open including 2 the last 2 years. Has the short game come far enough along to handle the pressure of the US Open? That’s been Westood’s achilles heel for years. Everything else in the game is major worthy.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 45 to 1

10. Jason Day

My darkhorsee spot is going to Jason Day. Day is a 25 year old Australian that is going to eventually be a multiple major winner. He already has 4 top 10s in majors since 2010. He finished 2nd at the 2011 US Open, when Rory Mcilory lapped the field. It would be better if he was more accurate off the tee, but I like how he gets himself into contention in the biggest events.

All Sports Discussion odds of Winning: 50 to 1