This week marks one of golf's biggest tournaments, the U. S. Open. It also marks the fifth time the tournament will take place at the Olympic Club in San Francisco. In 1955, semi-unknown golfer Jack Fleck upset legendary champion Ben Hogan in an 18-hole playoff on Monday. In 1966, excellent golfer Billy Casper came from behind to mildly upset legendary champion Arnold Palmer in another 18-hole Monday playoff. In 1987, quality golfer Scott Simpson came from behind to defeat legendary champion Tom Watson in regulation. In 1998, capable pro golfer Lee Janzen came from behind to defeat by one shot legendary champion Payne Stewart, who had led the previous three days. See a pattern?
Who are the legendary champions and who are the likeliest quality golfers to overcome them on Sunday? Among the legends, count Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods. Who are the likeliest to overtake them? Try this undirty dozen: Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald, Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, Justin Rose, Bubba Watson, Matt Kuchar, Jim Furyk, Jason Dufner, Zach Johnson, and Dustin Johnson.
Who will be the fan favorites? From the popular Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, and Bubba Watson to locals Charlie Wi and Spencer Levin to longshot qualifiers Dennis Miller and physically-impaired Casey Martin to longshot amateurs Patrick Cantlay, Beau Hossler, Nick Sherwood, Alberto Sanchez, and Brooks Koepka, fans will be cheering on these individuals.
Other longshots? Try any of these international names, and you may be watching the top of the leaderboard by Sunday: Martin Kaymer, Charl Schwartzel, Graeme McDowell, Alvaro Quiros, Angel Cabrera, Padraig Harrington, and Carl Pettersson. Other American longshots with the ability to win at Olympic include Steve Stricker, Mark Wilson, Hunter Mahan, Keegan Bradley, and Ben Crane.
Are there any villains in the field this week? Many will say Tiger Woods remains a focal point of hate, but he has done everything right since his win at the Memorial two weeks ago. He must have hired some new public relations people, for he even was generous in his praise of the groundskeepers and Casey Martin at his press conference Tuesday.
The real villain could be the difficulty of the course, which might result in a boring runaway for one hot golfer. Perhaps that golfer will be Tiger. Here's hoping we have another upset playoff winner at Olympic Club.
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