The 110th US Open is getting underway today; the majesty combined with the toughness makes Pebble Beach a must watch. It makes all the average golfers (me) feel good about themselves. Even the pros struggle sometimes.
But there’s no time to waste…. My pick is Jim Furyk.
Let's-go-Jim-fist-pump.
He swings like he is trying to kill a rattlesnake in a phone booth. His nickname is ‘Grinder’. And he has proven that he can win the US Open (2003 Champion). But in a tournament like this one you need more than just a gut feeling to pick a winner. He’s the 5th ranked player in the world, 6th in driving accuracy, and 6th in scrambling. The stats speak for themselves.
If you think Tiger is going to win you probably also think a Babe Ruth was named after the candy bar. Tiger looked average at best at Memorial, and I can’t wait til he blows up at Pebble. Phil, that’s a decent pick, but still no. He cannot win at a course where 4 over is probably going to win it. He may make a run, but he won’t pull it out. And don’t pick the field because there hasn’t been a player outside the top 50 in the world win it in the modern era of golf.
With a firm and fast course on our hands we’re looking at a very exciting weekend ahead. Bogeys are going to be a good score on some holes, and a birdie is going to be a series of miraculous shots. So get ready for some snowman, and some scores in the 80’s in the 2010 US Open.
Another good article by the Sultan of Statistics, the Wizard of Words, the Dynamo of Data, the Founder of Philosophy, .......
ReplyDeleteFuryk is a great pick and a great clutch golfer. Jim doesn't know the meaning of getting rattled in THE biggest, and most prestigious, golf tournament on the planet.
BUT,
the best candidate to win THE Open is Phil Mickelson. Phil is ranked higher in all the categories that you list for Furyk. Plus, Phil is ranked 2nd in putting, 3rd in tipping his hat to the crowd, and 1st in giving gloves (and money) to fans that get in the way of the ball. Phil wears black like Gary Player and he has won the big tournaments, so he isn't pressing anymore.
BUT, the MAIN reason he is the favorite and you know what I mean - Phil is a LEFTY!! Lefty's RULE!!