Tournament Preview: The 2012 U.S. Open (June 14-17)

The 112^th U.S. Open will be played at Olympic Club in San Francisco, and it’s the fifth time this club has hosted the event.  The par 70 course which measures 7,170 yards will be a challenge to the field as the greens only measure 4,400 square feet.  Precision is truly the key at Olympic Club.  You have to love the longest hole in U.S. Open history – the 670 yard par 5 at No. 16.

The weather forecast is exceptional, showing zero chance for rain and temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s – however, wind could play a big factor.

As for the field, as usual it is robust.  The best of the best compete in major events, so we’re in for a real treat this week.  The odds favorite this week is Tiger Woods, even though he hasn’t won a major in four years.  In our opinion, Tiger is always going to be a major favorite until someone like Rory starts winning majors consistently.

With 14 different winners in the last 14 majors, the board is wide open.  After Tiger, the board likes Mickleson, McIlroy, and Fowler, which have listings at 10 and 14-1.  Other hot players to keep an eye out for are Jason Dufner who has won twice in his last four appearances and leads in FedEx Cup Points, and Luke Donald, who is just three weeks removed from defending his title at the BMW PGA championship.

Keep your eye out for Lee Westwood (as always) who ranks first on the tour in greens hit – this is certainly a course that will challenge that.  Dustin Johnson, fresh off of his FedEx St. Jude Classic victory has four top-10s in just 6 starts this year.  Lastly, you can’t rule out Matt Kuchar who is second on TOUR in bogey avoidance and has already won a title this year.

Golficity’s Pick:  Because this is a Major event, Golficity will give its top 3 picks for this tournament.  This week we like:  Tiger Woods, Jason Dufner, and Luke Donald.

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