I’ve been trying to sort out my pick for this week’s 2013 US Open at the Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, but one name I keep coming back to is Phil Mickelson.
The weather conditions so far at the Merion have been less than ideal, with torrential rain sweeping through on Monday, flooding low-lying areas on the course as well as forcing the suspension of practice rounds.
The Merion Golf Club is a Par 70, 6,996 yard course. It is typical of a US Open layout with narrow fairways, thick rough and undulating greens.
Course management will be at a premium throughout the week, especially with the rough becoming thicker with all the rain and it will come down to whoever can hit the most fairways and control their short clubs.
It sets up perfectly for Mickelson this week. Everyone knows about his exceptional short game, and with soft greens the balls will be receptive and I can see ‘Lefty’ being competitive.
Closing rounds of 65 and 67 last week at the St. Jude Classic proved that Mickelson is finding form at the right time of the year, and he was able to finish in a tie for second place, two shots behind winner Harris English.
Like last week, it will be unlikely that the driver leaves the bag this week, and despite never winning the tournament, Mickelson’s love affair for the US Open has been well documented.
Mickelson is ranked first on the PGA Tour in 2013 for birdies and eighth for strokes gained from putting. Providing he can improve on his driving accuracy percentage of 53% this week, the 42-year-old may be able to improve on his six second-place finishes at previous US Open tournaments.
Do you think Mickelson can go one better in 2013?
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Andrew Potter
Roar Guru
Fingers crossed he can get the job done today!
Felix
Guest
Good predicting Andrew, see this is why I don't gamble!
Felix
Guest
I think Kuchar and Snedeker are the ones to watch this week, they've got that 'get it around the course' style of play that will help them in the wet. That said, can anyone else see A.Cabrera's name filtering to the top come Sunday, he's certainly a big game, tough course kind of player.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
The US Open and Phil Mickelson just aren't to be. He had Winged Foot in the bag, but threw it away. As much as I love watching Lefty play, with the current conditions at Merion, Phil needs a minor miracle
Johnnyg
Guest
Never know with Phil - could be brilliant, or could be nowhere near the pace. He is due at the US Open thats for sure. Although with no free to air coverage in Australia, most won't see it. Even though it is on Fox Sports (which I'll be watching when at home), I find it very disappointing that no FTA network is showing it (or at least highlights!) - especially after the buzz Scotty created here winning the masters, FTA tv loves a good bandwagon. I really expected One to be showing it at least.