Rory arrives to Brookline in form off the back of his 21st PGA Tour victory at the RBC Canadian Open last weekend.
The penultimate major of the year has arrived. This week, the New England region hosts the US Open. Hopefully, the golfing community can put the past week's petty jabs behind us and enjoy this prestigious event.
This is the second consecutive major where the previous week's winner defended their title. KH Lee did it at the Byron Nelson before the PGA Championship, and Rory managed the feat in Maple Leaf country.
Despite being sanctioned by the PGA Tour, the USGA has reiterated that they are an Open Championship. That clears LIV Golf members to tee off in the US Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.
The Country Club in Brookline was founded in 1882. Initially, it offered horseback riding and racing for the members to enjoy. However, in 1893 the first 6 holes were completed. By 1899, it featured an 18-hole golf course.
Moreover, the club is heavily associated with legendary amateur Francis Ouimet. He grew up across the road from the 17th hole and caddied at the course before his golfing talents were recognized.
The Country Club is a 7,254-yard par 70 course with tiny greens that require precision on approach. Brookline has the second smallest greens in Major history, behind Pebble Beach. Given the reduced target zone, a solid greenside game is a core factor for success.
Think about golfers with an accurate approach game and consistent strokes gained around the green.
The forecast is for moderate to warm weather throughout the week, with Friday afternoon reaching the high 80s. Light rain is on the cards for late Friday afternoon, while clouds are expected to cover the sun for the rest of the weekend.
The biggest challenge posed to the Pros is wind. A 28-knot southwester is predicted to blow on Thursday afternoon. A westerly wind with the same force is scheduled to take hold throughout Friday. A slightly calmer northerly breeze will watch over proceedings on Saturday. Finally, a northwester will see us through to prize giving on Sunday.
Since his heartbreaking tie for 3rd at the Masters, he has remained quiet by his standards. However, this means he has notched up two top 15’s and a top 25 finish.
That said, Australians are born with the ability to make it happen when it counts. But, besides our gut instinct, his consistency speaks for itself. He tops the tour for birdie average and is ranked 3rd for strokes gained on approach to the green. Plus, Cam is the 4th best for strokes gained in total.
Finally, although not his best area, he is in the top 24 on tour for strokes gained around the green. A major is right around the corner for the Aussie, and his accuracy on approach suits this layout.
Xander is another young golfer that possesses what it takes to win a major. His journey to Augusta was disappointing, especially since he was among my picks. He has been in phenomenal form since then, with two top 5’s and top 20 finishes. Included in these results was a victory at the Zurich Classic, where he teamed up with Patrick Cantlay.
Besides his strong finishes, the California native ranks 2nd on the PGA for sand saves and 3rd for 3-putt avoidance. Furthermore, he is the 7th best on tour for strokes gained from tee to green and birdie average.
Some call him Happy Gilmore’s caddie. I refer to him as the best young ball-striker on tour. The internet is littered with Memes about him, but he possesses serious golfing talent. How is this for a record? In his last 7-events, he has missed 2 cuts and finished in the top 5 on every other occasion.
Two of those top 5’s were in Majors this year. He is young and carries a cool head. Although he has come close, his defeats will help him grow. On top of his consistent results, the San Franciscan heads the tour in strokes gained on approach to the green. Plus, he is 2nd for strokes gained from tee to green and 6th in greens in regulation percentage.
Joaquin has performed solidly for several years. That is why it surprised many that his compatriot was almost the first male from Chile to win a major. The last time Joaquin was on the tee sheet was at the Memorial, where he returned a tie for 3rd.
Where I fancy the Chilean’s chances this week is around the fringe. The small greens are bound to send balls over the edge. Joaquin is number 1 on the PGA for scrambling from the fringe. In addition, he is the 9th top player for birdie average and 8th for strokes gained from tee to green.
The Canadian tees off after an impressive performance at his National Open in Toronto last week. He finished in solo 6th place, giving him his second top 10 in 6-tournaments. On top of his two top-ten finishes, Connors has bagged two top 15s and a top 25.
Where Corey has the advantage this week is his consistency off the tee. He is the 8th best player on tour for strokes gained from the tee box. This will position him well to attack the small greens at the Country Club.
Rory McIlroy - 9/1
Shane Lowry - 22/1
Justin Thomas - 11/1
Dustin Johnson - 30/1
Mito Pereira - 45/1
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