Five players to watch at this weekend’s U.S. Open:
Dustin Johnson
Big bomber doesn’t fit the Open prototype, but neither did recent winners Lucas Glover (2009) or Angel Cabrera (2007). Most compelling reason to pick Johnson? He has back-to-back PGA Tour wins (2009-10) at Pebble Beach.
Lee Westwood
Holds the dreaded designation “best player without a major.” But he has been closing in on one, finishing in the top three in the last three majors. Led the Masters and British in final round before faltering. Won St. Jude Classic last weekend.
Luke Donald
Donald is another Englishman ready to win a major. Has finished in the top five in the other three, but the U.S. Open suits his precision game and brilliant touch on the greens. Donald won the European Tour’s Madrid Masters three weeks ago.
Jim Furyk
Furyk and Ernie Els are the only players with two PGA Tour wins this year. Furyk won the Open in 2003 at Olympia Fields and is a fixture on major leader boards. He has 17 other top-10 finishes in majors, including four top-five finishes in the Open.
Bo Van Pelt
Who? Actually Van Pelt might be the hottest man on tour, finishing in the top five in four of his last six starts, including ties for third at the Heritage and Memorial. He ranks fourth on tour in total driving and is on the bubble for a Ryder Cup slot.
