2008 U.S Open - This Expert's Picks

U.S. Open expert here. I will predict the Top 5 finishers for the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. I will tell you why my picks are as solid as a Ben Hogan knock down and why not only will I be dancing, but be within gimmee range. Even my brother Kevin couldn't pull this off. First, an expert like myself must develop the proper criteria, a rubric, for selecting the golfers feeling the heart palpitations on Sunday and those doing the "Samsonite Slide" Friday afternoon. I will also tell you why other criteria, though seemingly important, did not make my list for this tournament. Since every major is different, here is my list of criteria for the 2008 U.S. Open

1. Record at Torrey Pines - This is self explanatory. If a guy likes the course, you have to go with him, U.S. Open setup or not.



2. % of Fairways Hit - This is always key in The Open. Keep it out of the rough and you have a chance.



3. Putts per Green - This is important in every major, but must be factored in with fairways hit. Chipping and one putting every green for bogey won't cut it.



4. G.I.R the Last 3 Starts - I like to see who is hitting the irons well coming into the U.S. Open. This shows relevant confidence and an ability to work the ball, necessary to hit shots to tough U.S. Open hole locations. Those sick sadistic USGA-ians!



5. Scrambling - You won't hit many greens in an Open, even at a more forgiving Torrey Pines. You better be able to get up and down.

Some of the criteria I don't rely on and why:

1. Scoring Avg. - The U.S. Open means one thing...numbers in the black. " The best golfers can shoot an 85 in the U.S. Open." Every little mistake is amplified under these conditions. You must throw it out.



2. Driving Distance - Torrey Pines might be playing almost 8,000 yards, but you'll be hacking out each shot with a pitching wedge if you can't keep it in San Diego.


3. Money List - I don't care if you won $800,000 after shooting 22-under at the FBR Open. This ain't the FBR Open (buckle down J.B!)

Given this criteria, I will now present you with the order of finish in the 2008 U.S. Open. These golfers may be tied with one another or tied with other golfers I do not mention, but they will be there!

1. Phil Mickelson - It is his year to win this major at this course.

2. Tiger Woods - Bad knee or not, he loves this course. Maybe just a little too much rust to pull out the victory.

3. Justin Rose - This limey will again make a run at another major, but it won't quite happen... yet.

4. Stewart Cink - This steady player always performs well in The Open, but once again he'll come up short.

5. Geoff Ogilvy - This course suits his game and he has the experience of winning it.

DARK HORSE - Robert Allenby(if his irons are on...watch out.)

****Tune in tomorrow when I post my jackpot sheet***