My opening observation on Merion comes from Johnny Miller during the Players, when he noted the greens at Sawgrass are really quick, but a lot of 10 foot putts (there) might break an inch, while a lot of 6 foot putts at Merion will break 6 inches, and the test at Merion will
require a perfect matching of pace and line (not to mention nerves of a thief). I don't think the weather conditions change that equation, and in the final analysis, my roster swerves away from players with excellent ball striking credentials but shaky reputations with the putter (i.e., Weekley, Westwood, Molinari, Rose, Garcia, etc.). Dustin Johnson with his wedge, and Tim Clark with his chipping, are similarly non-starters in my capping of the 72 hole conclusion.
Amazing Stat: In 1981 at Merion, there were two Europeans in the field. This year, there are 37 Europeans.
Outrights:
Adam Scott(22/1) e.w. (1/4 for 1-2-3-4-5-6)
- - One of my selections for Augusta, I knew then I would not be picking up his winning marker at the U.S. Open, and he's done little wrong since then, other than getting himself paired in the Woods and McIlroy sideshow.
Matt Kuchar(22/1) e.w.
- - One of my selections at Augusta, he's done little wrong since then, and he's high on my short list once again.
Phil Mickelson(25/1) e.w.
- -
Zach Johnson(80/1) e.w.
- - I've always felt Zach would contend in some U.S. Opens, but I've never really liked his chances in any particular rendition since he won his Masters, and his record has been poor. This year he has certainly shown signs of his game coming into form, and Nick Faldo and Johnny Miller as announcers have both commented more than once on how they really like his swing action with a wedge in his hands.
Graeme McDowell(22/1) e.w.
- - He certainly wants it. Although I'm not at all fond of having plays on all three members of the Furyk/McDowell/Z.Johnson pairing.
Kyle Stanley(150/1) e.w.
- -
Jim Furyk(50/1) e.w.
- - My antepost selection from the Players:
U.S. Open:
Jim Furyk(50/1) e.w.
- - I've been tracking the Pennsylvania native for the U.S. Open at Merion, certainly grinding for a chance to match the redemption Payne Stewart achieved at Pinehurst after his Olympic experience. But I'll give the Jacksonville area resident a shot at something else he covets, and take the excellent price that comes with it.
Angel Cabrera(100/1) e.w.
- - Continuing with another one of my selections from Augusta; he has handled the greens at Augusta and Oakmont; his success at Wentworth only adds to my sense of him as a good mudder; and his form since Augusta continues to impress.
Charley Hoffman(175/1) e.w.
- - When it comes to one more play, this hunch gets the nod over Howell, Wittenberg, Lingmerth, Jacobson, and Manassero.
Lucas Glover(250/1) e.w.
- - I'm confident his time is coming, but I'm almost equally confident that time is not this week.
Tiger Woods(6/1) Win Only
- - Insurance against.
Charley Hoffman(125/1) e.w. (1/4 for 1-2-3-4-5) 1st Round Leader
- -
Casey Wittenberg(250/1) e.w. 1st Round Leader
- -
GL
