US Open 2010 FanHouse Predictions

The 2010 U.S. Open tees off Thursday at Pebble Beach Golf Links. The expectations are high, as the historic course prepares to host one of golf's most anticipated events.

Lucas Glover still flies under the radar despite his 2009 win in Bethpage. And of course, everyone wants to know how Tiger will perform in his second major back from a well documented break from the game, or if Phil Mickelson can finally win a U.S. Open after finishing runner-up five times.

Well, the FanHouse staff is here to shed some light on these questions. Read on for our predictions.

Staff Picks



Share The question isn't when this Eldrick Woods character -- haven't seen the old Tiger in a while -- wins his next major. No, the question is whether the breakdown of his total being, physically and emotionally, will prevent him from catching Jack Nicklaus. Nearing 35 and with his world tumbling down, Woods no longer is a lock to win any major anytime soon, much less the five needed to pass Nicklaus' record 18.

And Phil Mickelson? Oh, to dream of a Phil Slam, but it will have to be in another life because he'll never win a U.S. Open. He finishes tied for 10th here. Your winner at Pebble Beach: Let's go with the Irish lad Rory McIlroy, who was barely taller than a pitching wedge when Woods pummeled the US Open field on the Pacific shores in 2000.
-- Jay Mariotti

Tiger Woods is going to win this thing. It's time. He's healthy, and although recent results may not reflect it, his game has been steadily moving into form. He's ready and the timing is perfect. Tiger has 14 major championship, but never has he needed the next one so badly. Phil Mickelson will be right on his heels. He's finished runner-up five times in the last 11 U.S. Opens. Don't argue with history. Mystery Guest Pick is Nick Watney. The Californian will be comfortable with the conditions and he hits greens in regulation.
-- Mick Elliott

I'm picking K.J. Choi because it's past time a European golfer won the U.S. Open. I realize that Korea isn't technically part of Europe, but you get to cut some corners after 40 years. Besides, Choi is a golfing machine who's due to win a major. Behind him? Phil Mickelson will be the first six-time runner-up in U.S. Open history, which is more amazing than actually winning. As for Tiger, he should be happy to simply make the cut this week and not be served with paternity papers.
-- David Whitley

After his return at the Masters, it seemed as if Tiger's turnaround from a shaky break from the game would be quick. But things just aren't getting any better and his off-course issues continue to come to light. No matter what the reason behind his struggles on the course, don't expect Mr. Woods to be playing late on Sunday afternoon. Sure he had a historic win in 2000, the last time the U.S. Open was at Pebble Beach, but a lot has changed in the past decade.

One thing that hasn't changed, is Phil Mickelson's inability to win at decisive career moments. He's had a few shots to take Tiger's No. 1 ranking and blown them all. He'll fold under the pressure of following up his Masters title with a win in Pebble Beach. Meanwhile, Ricky Barnes finished T2 last year and is coming off an impressive performance at The Memorial. He's no favorite, but that's what predictions are all about.
-- Chris Sesno

Lee Westwood was in position to win the 2008 U.S. Open but Tiger Woods' golfing destiny intervened. And now, after recommitting himself to the game, Westwood is primed to win his first major championship. Woods is still trying to rediscover his swing but even when he struggles, he still manages to finish in the top 10. Phil Mickelson has a knack for flashing early before fading on the weekend.
-- Ryan Wilson

It wasn't that long ago that you would pick anyone but Tiger because you didn't want to be accused of simply backing the chalk. Those days are gone. Now, you pick anyone but Tiger because that's exactly who's gonna win. There may come a day when he resumes his quest to pass Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 majors, but that day won't arrive this week. The Winner: Lee Westwood. He's rolling right now and will finally shed the dreaded "Best Player to Never Win a Major '' tag.
-- Matt Romanoski

Writer	Winner	Tiger Watch	Phil's Future
Jay Mariotti	Rory McIlroy	MC	t-10
Mick Elliott	Tiger Woods	1	2
David Whitley	K.J. Choi	t-19	2
Chris Sesno	Ricky Barnes	t-40	t-10
Matt Romanoski	Lee Westwood	18	36
Ryan Wilson	Lee Westwood	10	20