Last year’s U.S Open was all about one man, one who was not so long ago in fact, a Boy. Rory McIlroy, the rising star from Northern Ireland gave an absolute golfing Master class when smashed multiple records with his 16 under par finish at the Congressional Country Club last year. Not only that, but he was only the second youngest ever to win the major, let alone own it.
Fellow Irishman, former champion and all-round golfing legend Graeme McDowell described him as the best player he’d ever seen – praise indeed.
The Course
So, what do we have in store for the 112th U.S Open? For starters, the championship will be played at the prestigious Olympic Club, the oldest athletic club in the US.
New to the course this year is a frankly ridiculous 670-yard fairway for the 16th hole, the largest in the history of U.S Open which will certainly make for comical viewing and sweaty palms for those unfortunate enough to play it.
Another change is the addition of a fairway bunker in the usual layup area of the 17th hole, so expect to see bent shafts and broken dreams on the penultimate hole.
Smaller and less cruel changes include a change for the first hole from a par 5 to a par 4, offering some slight relief from that punishing final few holes.
The Favourites
The big question this year is who will take home the trophy? Well let’s first look at who won’t.
According to the bookies, those least likely to walk away a champion are, among others Kelly Kraft (959-1), Michael Campbell (619-1) and Paul Lawrie (250-1). Our favorite Irishman and all-round golfing legend Darren Clarke has had to pull out of the event with a groin injury, instead preferring to rest up for the upcoming Irish Open (link) in his home country.
Bookies and perhaps the peoples favorite to win is Rory McIlroy (9-1) who’s had a somewhat hit and miss performance of late, first chucking his club, then missing the cut at the BMW PGA Championship to become world no.2, still a poor run up to last year’s U.S Open didn’t do him any harm did it?
Other favorites include current world number one Luke Donald (12-1), three time U.S Open winner Tigers Woods (12-1) and Lee Westwood (14-1).
We’ll be bringing you the latest coverage and updates right here at stuburt.com
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Posted by Stuburt UK
