The U.S. Open:
Location: Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Course: Merion Golf Club (East Course)
Par: 70
Length: 6,996 yards
Prize Pool: $8,000,000
Last Years Champion: Webb Simpson
This truly is a magical week for golf, with nearly all the top golfers in the world conjugated at Merion Golf Club for the U.S. Open. As the second of golf four major tournaments, the U.S. Open needs little introduction. This is one of the most sought after titles in the industry, which is precisely why every one of the top 40 world ranking golfers is in Pennsylvania preparing for the action ahead.
With this elite of a field, the days ahead will undoubtedly bring some unforgettable golf moments. Evaluating the elements, including some less than favorable weather conditions, I've made my top picks and predictions for this week. Have a prediction of your own? Enter our U.S. Open contest for your chance to win some great prizes from Chase54, EcoGolf & Goose Golf.
Tiger Woods: Although an inconsistent showing two weeks ago at Memorial where he finished T65; Tiger Woods record speaks for itself. This season marks the 18th appearance at the U.S. Open, and event he's won three times. He's been on fire this season with four PGA Tour victories already under his belt, he'd love to add a major to that list.
Graeme McDowell: McDowell has a good record at the U.S. Open, winning in 2010 and finishing T2 last year. He's playing consistently as of late with two wins in his last four starts, including the Volvo World Match Play Championship, Bulgaria's first-ever European Tour event.
Matt Kuchar: Having tasted victory with two PGA Tour wins already this season, Kuchar, I'm sure he's hungry for more this week. He's playing consistently, has been putting fantastically and should be in great shape for a strong performance this week.
Lee Westwood: Playing consistently as of late, Westwood's accumulated five consecutive top 10 finishes. He's familiar with this event not finishes worse than T23 in any of his last five appearances. If he continues this trend I think he'll be one to watch for this weekend.
Charley Hoffman: Watching him this season, I'm a believer that Hoffman can pull off a great tournament this week at Merion. He currently sits 111 on the world rankings, but will be on his way higher after a great performance this week. He's chalked up four top ten finishes so far this season in 14 starts.
Here's a look at my completed fantasy picks:
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This article was written by Scott Stevens and is part of the Eat Sleep Golf - Fantasy Golf series which focuses on introducing upcoming PGA Tour events as well as evaluating the field of players. We encourage you to comment below and/or join in the conversation with us on Twitter using #FantasyGolf. Be sure to connect with us @EatSleepGolf