Binge Media Sports: 114th U.S. Open Preview
Welcome to Binge Media Sports coverage of the 114th U.S. Open from beautiful North Carolina and the world famous Pinehurst No.2. Starting early Thursday morning, 156 players will once again attempt to best the famed Donald Ross design. The US Open returns to Pinehurst for the third time in 2014, having been played here in 2005 and for the first time in 1999, which gave the world one of the best finishes in major championship history. Phil Mickelson led by a stroke on the 16th hole on Sunday, wearing a beeper (yes…a beeper) that would let him know if his wife was going into labor as she was due to give birth to their first child any minute. Famously, Phil said that no matter where he was on the course or the leaderboard, he would leave. His playing partner, Payne Stewart, already a father, would tie things up after rolling in a 25 footer on 16 as Mickelson bogeyed. Stewart would then birdie 17 to take a one stroke lead into the 18th, and in one of the most famous putts in US Open history, he holed a 15-footer to seal the victory, and then in a classy move from a classy guy, hugged Mickelson and told him he was going to be a great father. Stewart would die in a plane crash only a few months later, but to this day remains one of golf’s greatest gentlemen. Amy Mickelson would give birth the next day. That day in 1999 would leave the golf world with an iconic image and one of golf’s great duels. You can relive both below.
2005 would give us a nice tournament as well, but 1999 was a hard act to follow. Tiger Woods made a late charge on Sunday afternoon, but would eventually finish two strokes behind unlikely champion Michael Campbell.
So what does 2014 have in store for the golf world? Yes, I have to say it. Tiger Woods is still not back (oh yeah, that’s a pun), but the biggest stars in the world will be out. But the biggest star usually turns out to be the golf course itself. A major overhaul from the original Donald Ross design from Bill Coore and the great Ben Crenshaw will give the best players in the world a Pinehurst they’ve never seen before. Gone is the classic design that you see here.
What the players will see this week is a golf course with no rough, strange for the US Open, and you would think that would make the golf course easier, but it’s been replaced with a sandy, scruffy look that you might see in the 1930’s, as evidenced by a recent picture of hole 13.
Kinda looks like a course you might run into on Saturday morning with your buddies, doesn’t it? But make no mistake. The real staple of Pinehurst No. 2 still remains. The greens are still considered some of the toughest in the world, with big undulations and blistering speed and the tournament will ultimately be won by the man who can make some crucial putts. There are a lot of players who can win this tournament, but here are the ones who will get the most attention early on.
PHIL MICKELSON
Fresh off an FBI investigation, Phil Mickelson returns to Pinehurst amidst his worst season in a long time. He’s not putting the ball well, but he will be the main story here. Not only has he finished second in this tournament a record six times, he’s also looking to complete the career Grand Slam. He’s wanted to win this tournament more than any other his entire career, and he has obviously played well in the past here. But with all of the pressure that comes along with this week, can Phil finally break through and win this elusive title?
ADAM SCOTT
The newly crowned world No. 1 doesn’t have a great history at the US Open, but has played very well in recent weeks, including a win just a few weeks ago in his first tournament after taking over the top spot. The 2013 Masters champion also has some great experience on the bag in caddy Steve Williams. He’s got the best swing on tour and knows how to win on Sunday.
RORY MCILROY
For all of the heat that Rory gets, he is still one of the best players in the world. He’s got a runner-up and 6 top 10’s on the PGA Tour this season, and just won one of the biggest tournaments in Europe. The thing that always gets McIlroy in trouble is inconsistency in a tournament. There always seems to be one day that gets him in trouble, which leads to him having to scramble to get back into the thick of things on Sunday. But he’s also a two-time major winner, one of those being a US Open, so never count him out.
JORDAN SPIETH
Jordan Spieth is the future of American golf. There’s no question about that. The question is whether or not this 20 year old is ready to close. Sure, he’s had some great experiences as of late, but problems on Sunday continue to plague this youngster as he looks to join the ranks of the best in the game. He’s got the game and there’s a real chance that he could capture his first major this weekend.
BUBBA WATSON
As the only major winner in 2014, Bubba Watson has to be thrown into the conversation. He hits it a mile and knows how to get up and down, which will be crucial on this golf course. People say he’s really only designed to win at Augusta, but he’ll be looking to continue his own quest for a Grand Slam on Thursday.
Those are probably your favorites coming into the week, but there are so many players out there who have the game and the desire to win this week.
There’s defending champion Justin Rose, who will find out what it’s like to defend a major title.
Matt Kuchar is Mr. Consistency but hasn’t been able to break through for that elusive major win.
Who knows which Sergio Garcia we’re going to see this week?
Dustin Johnson has come close in a few majors and certainly has the game to play well here.
Lee Westwood, also looking for his first major, has played well in US Opens but always seems to crumble in the end.
Youngster Hideki Matsuyama just got a win and will be looking to make a big name for himself this week.
Luke Donald, a former world No. 1, may be the most consistent iron player on tour. His game is made for this type of golf course.
As you know I like to do, I’d like to get your pick on the winner of the 114th US Open. Below, I’ve listed ten of the players that I mentioned here. You can cast a vote for one of them if you like, or use the “Other” box and write in who you think will be victorious this Sunday evening. As always, you can justify your pick in the comments section below or follow me and tweet @THElukenorris.
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