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US Open Preview

The beauty of being a 24 handicapper, a duffer, an embarrassment to your friends on the golf course,...
TodayFM
TodayFM

10:57 AM - 16 Jun 2016



US Open Preview

Sport

US Open Preview

TodayFM
TodayFM

10:57 AM - 16 Jun 2016



The beauty of being a 24 handicapper, a duffer, an embarrassment to your friends on the golf course, is that the world elite can also be exposed as ordinary. 

It happens no more so than at the US Open, where par has always been a sacred score, and the patience of a saint is required to win the second major of the year. 

Rory McIlroy capitalised on soft conditions when he won this tournament at Congressional in 2011, and he's one of 3 Irish players in the 156 strong field.  The others are Shane Lowry, who finished in the top 10 at Chambers Bay last year, and the 2010 champion, Graeme McDowell

Oakmont, the Pennsylvania course which hosts this year's renewal, is arguably the toughest major championship venue in the world. Lightning quick greens, very deep rough, sloping fairways and intimidating bunkers make it the truest test of all facets of a player's game.  Angel Cabrera's winning score in 2007 was 5 over par. Everything has to be working, but more than ball striking, a deft touch around the greens and clutch putting, bravery and a steely mentality is required for 72 holes. Players will have to be aggressive, as birdies are important to balance against inevitable bogeys. This tournament will be won in the head.  

Jason Day, Jordan Spieth, McIlroy and Dustin Johnson are obvious contenders, but I have looked elsewhere for a winner in what I believe is going to be an unpredictable tournament. 

With thanks to Betfair, I have been given €250 to wager for Charity, and this is the staking plan. 

€65 each way on Rickie Fowler at 28/1 

American Fowler is number 5 in the world and while his putter has been lukewarm of late, his ball striking is good under the eye of the best in the business, his coach Butch Harmon.  To my mind, Fowler is the best player in the world without a major right now. His game has no discernible weaknesses, he finished in the Top 5 in all 4 majors in 2014 and won The Players Championship last year in brilliant fashion. Fowler is a good putter on fast greens, which will help at Oakmont.

€30 each way on Martin Kaymer at 55/1  

One of the biggest things I have learned in sport is that form is temporary, but class is permanent.  Germany's Martin Kaymer overcame swing changes to win the US Open by 8 shots in 2014. 8 shots. He has the all round game, the Teutonic temperament and has hinted at something special with 3 recent Top 10s in Europe.  He's over priced in my view. 

€20 each way on Patrick Reed at 40/1

Brash American Patrick Reed has won a World Golf Championship tournament, contested a Ryder Cup and posted a top 15 in the US Open last year.  He has played well all season, comes into this week in good form after a Top 10 at the Memorial Tournament and has the talent. The 25 year old could be a Sunday surprise. 

€10 each way on Chris Kirk at 150/1 

In picking an outsider, Chris Kirk interests me. He has won the Colonial tournament and the Deutsche Bank Championship as part of 4 victories on the US Tour, he is blessed with a great short game and his form has been solid in 2016. Interestingly he has posted good vibes about Oakmont on Twitter. So many players moan themselves out of major championships before a ball is hit. He strikes me as a bit of a 'closer' and he could give you a run for your money at a price.



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