US Open crowns Pebble Beach’s glory

At A glance, it seems to be just another USPGA Tour week as Tiger Woods heads into an event with the odds in his favour. However, majors h...

At A glance, it seems to be just another USPGA Tour week as Tiger Woods heads into an event with the odds in his favour. However, majors have a way of defying the odds and the US Open which tees off at Pebble Beach on July 15 will be no different. Apart from an immaculate game, experience and maturity too will play a vital role.

A year ago, under similar conditions, 42-year-old Payne Stewart holed a fifteen-footer on the 72nd hole to maintain a one stroke lead over Phil Mikleson and claim the title. This major will miss its defending champion, who was tragically killed in a plane crash three months after his victory. Stewart’s charming personality has been missed all year, but the US Open will make his absence felt ever more.

Along with Tiger, fellow Americans David Duval and Phil Mikleson — who have been in contention almost every week in the build up to the year’s second major — will also be favoured to win the title. For Mikleson, it’s another opportunity to improve on his second place finish last year and both these players will give their best shot to try and win their first major and get the monkey off their backs. Incidentally, these two golfers also tied for the lead at the half way stage last year but failed to produce the winning game over the weekend.

Another strong contender is ’97 British Open champion Justin Leonard, whose good form has kept him in the limelight. Armed with the experience of winning a major, he will bring his best to his country’s national championship.