Lots of great storylines are emerging in the U.S. Open. Here’s an attempt to grade the leaders – not for their likelihood of winning, but for how intriguing their victory would be.
A+
Ryo Ishikawa – The Japanese teenager, 18, would become the youngest major champion. Many teens have contended including Seve Ballasteros, Justin Rose, and Sergio Garcia. But the only one to win was Johnny McDermott, who was 19 when he took the 1911 U.S. Open.
Phil Mickelson – Breaking the Open curse, after finishing runner up a record five times would be a satisfying victory for the 40 year old. It would also be popular, especially coming in his home state. Not only that, it would ramp up discussion of a Grand Slam.
Tiger Woods – It would take an incredible comeback for Tiger to win at Pebble. That, in itself, would be a major seismic event, especially after all his off-course drama and on-course woes. It would also put Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 majors back in Woods’ crosshairs.
A
Ernie Els – The longest gap between U.S. Open championships is 11 years — Hale Irwin (1979, 1990) and Julius Boros (1952, 1963). If Els, the 1997 winner at Congressional, would win he would establish a new record. It would also be a well-received victory for one of the most popular players in golf.
A-
Martin Kaymer – The name is not familiar to many U.S. golf fans. But the German has more talent and potential than any of the Euros on the leader board. He’s also got the looks and charisma to be a major golf star some day. This could be a star turn for the 25-year-old.
B+
Graeme McDowell – In becoming the first European to win a U.S. Open in 40 years, McDowell can accomplish something that has eluded great players such as Ballesteros, Faldo, Langer, Montgomerie, Garcia, Woosnam, Harrington, and Olazabal. It would also give McDowell a deserved first major.
B
K.J. Choi – He was supposed to be the first Asian to win a major championship, but Y.E. Yang beat him to it, winning last year’s PGA. How amazing would it be for Koreans to win twice in a span of three majors?
B-
Dustin Johnson – A popular choice because of his back-to-back wins at Pebble, and fun to watch because of his length. He has the game to win a major, but just not this one, which demands accuracy over length. Then again, who would have thought big bombers Cabrera and Glover could have won the Open? Another question about Johnson: At age 25, has he really paid his dues to win the national championship?
C+
Ian Poulter – A win by the Englishman would be big for all of the same reasons as one for McDowell. The difference, however, is McDowell is easier to root for than the Tiger-baiting, spike-haired, look-at-me-attired Poulter. Witness Poulter’s soliloquy (undoubtedly for the cameras) on the tee at No. 7.
C
Greg Havret – Who? He’s 33. He’s from France (no relation to the Coneheads). If he gets in position on Sunday, could we see another Van de Velde?
D
Alex Cejka — Does a man with no victories (or even a runner-up) in 131 starts on the PGA Tour deserve to win a major? I don’t think so. Here’s hoping the 39-year-old German fades from sight.
