mrbojumbles

When the cat’s away the mice will play

Post by: Reece Lightning

// June 2nd, 2011 // Johnnie Walker Golf Club News

The US Open returns Congressional Golf Club in a fortnight, and, as is with the post Tiger era, there’s a stack of players who have a sniff. The top 50 players in the Official World Golf Rankings two weeks prior to the event (and in the week during) are exempt – here’s a run down of where they’re all at…

(A mrbojumbles piece as seen on Johnnie Walker Golf Club)

(Official World Rankings as of the 29th May 2011)

1 Luke Donald, Eng

In the form of his life; a major is the only thing missing from the newly crowned World Number One’s growing resume.

2 Lee Westwood, Eng

It’s simply a matter of time for Lee to shake the ‘best player to have never won a major’ tag.

3 Martin Kaymer, Deu

Has gone a little cold of late but the German-Machine’s due and knows how to win big these days.

4 Phil Mickelson, USA

Own a record five 2nd places in the US Open, and once again carries the hopes of his home nation.

5 Graeme McDowell, Nir

The defending champ will be there or thereabouts – top 5 finish is a safe punt.

6 Rory McIlroy, Nir

Labeled the most talented player on the planet by his peers, but questions remain from Sunday at Augusta.

7 Matt Kuchar, USA

T6 last year in what was a stella season; will have the patrons in his corner.

8 Steve Stricker, USA

Time’s ticking for Strick to deliver in the Majors, but like a good wine he gets better with age.

9 Paul Casey, Eng

Often goes missing in action in the big events, can’t see the Englishman contending.

10 Charl Schwartzel, Zaf

If a Green Jacket doesn’t give you confidence to win on the biggest stage you should retire immediately.

11 Bubba Watson, USA

On fire in twenty-eleven, winning just gets easier for the monster lefty.

12 Ian Poulter, Eng

Loud and brash – America personified. A US Open would explode the matchplay specialist’s ego.

13 Tiger Woods, USA

14 career Major’s; four US Open titles – one with a broken knee; but can he pull it off with a personal life in tatters.

14 Dustin Johnson, USA

Nothing sexual, but Dustin loves it long and hard – the US Open in a nutshell.

15 Nick Watney, USA

“The most talented young American on Tour” – but the fruit is in the pudding.

16 K.J. Choi, Kor

The Player’s Champion is my pick this week; don’t mess with his eagle-eyed stare!

17 Jim Furyk, USA

A past champion with a swing that looks like an octopus falling out of a tree. Like he cares though.

18 Hunter Mahan, USA

Loves Congressional but may harbour deep scars from Celtic Manor,

19 Jason Day, Aus

Won plenty of fans with his Masters’ heroics and would love to match Ogilvy’s triumph in ’06.

20 Francesco Molinari, Ita

The talented Italian has the game to win and would be a popular champion.

21 Ernie Els, Zaf

The two-time champ feels he has ‘one big run’ left in him.

22 Adam Scott, Aus

No one’s ever won a Major with a broomstick putter but there’s a first for everything.

23 Robert Karlsson, Swe

The 2010 Dubai World Champion is streaky, as too is Michael Campbell.

24 Alvaro Quiros, Esp

Being silly long is a huge advantage but the US Open requires extreme touch to match.

25 Martin Laird, Sco

Claimed the Arnold Palmer Invitational title this season, would be massive news in Scotland if he pulled it off.

26 Miguel A. Jimenez, Esp

Snatching the US Open would ensure cult status for the Spanish Mechanic.

27 David Toms, USA

His Indian summer could become a dream one at Congressional.

28 Retief Goosen, Zaf

If Goose was to win three US Opens he’d enter a very rare and special club.

29 Justin Rose, Eng

Will still be bitter after being over-looked for the Ryder Cup after two PGA Tour wins last season.

30 Matteo Manassero, Ita

The ‘next big thing’ will take only confidence from the BMW PGA Championship disappointment.

31 Geoff Ogilvy, Aus

Owning the best poker face on Tour should be an advantage for the 2006 champion.

32 Tim Clark, Zaf

A nasty injury never stopped Tiger in 2008.

33 Edoardo Molinari, Ita

Was impressive last year in Europe but is yet to win on US soil.

34 Zach Johnson, USA

Owns a Green Jacket but never delivers in his National Open.

35 Louis Oosthuizen, Zaf

The smooth-swinging Saffa has made the cut in only two Majors: 1st in last’s year’s Open Championship, and 73rd in the ’08 PGA – weird.

36 Kyung-tae Kim, Kor

Even as a golf tragic I had no idea who this was; never won in Europe or America.

37 Robert Allenby, Aus

Hasn’t won in The States since 2001 but rides the wave of Aussie confidence from Augusta.

38 Anders Hansen, Dnk

The Dane has consistency but the US Open is a daunting Everest.

39 Ben Crane, USA

A US Open title would see his YouTube clips go uber-viral.

40 Y.E. Yang, Kor

The ‘09 PGA Championship winner has never played the weekend at the US Open.

41 Jonathan Byrd, USA

The Hogan-esque-2011-winner has a steady game and a head to match.

42 Ryan Moore, USA

You can count on Ryan looking good if he was posing with the US Open trophy.

43 Bill Haas, USA

2010 was a breakout year but son-ofJay is a rank outsider.

44 Bo Van Pelt, USA

Not such a household name outside of America – T8 at April’s Masters.

45 Rickie Fowler, USA

Crash, bang, wallop – America’s poster boy has the goods to be an overnight superstar but lacks consistency.

46 Rory Sabbatini, Zaf

Skull and crossbones belt buckles and cowboy hats raise serious questions.

47 Brandt Snedeker, USA

Beat the Luke Donald in a playoff to win his second Tour event this year – confidence much?

48 Ryan Palmer, USA

A three-time PGA Tour winner brimming with confidence after his near miss at the Byron Nelson.

49 Peter Hanson, Swe

Europe’s silent achiever. Few Americans would know his name.

50 Padraig Harrington, Irl

His last three victories are Majors but the last was in 2008 – slipped to 50th in the world.