Putting the hex on some U.S. Open contenders

It’s hard to believe we’re already at this point in the golf season, but this upcoming week should be a treat for all of us golf fans.

It’s U.S. Open week. And as I’ve done in the past, I’m going to completely embarrass myself by sharing my list of contenders. Sorry in advance to the guys included below as none of my picks in past championships have proven to be correct.

This week the USGA is heading west, to one of the most unconventional U.S. Open courses in history — Chambers Bay located in University Place, Washington. I spent about 30 minutes reviewing each hole on the official U.S. Open website, and the top two things I’m looking for from the winner are:

Imagination and the ability to get the ball to stop on an approach shot.

From what I can tell, players will have options basically from tee to green on almost every hole. And the approach shots on some of these long par 4’s looks like they will favor a higher shot that can stop quickly versus a lower shot that’s forced to incorporate more of the contours on and around the greens.

So with those two thoughts, here are my top picks:

Bubba Watson

Probably the most imaginative player on tour, he loves working the ball in both directions and he has the ability to hit it high. He almost won the PGA Championship a few years back at Whistling Straits, a course with a similar setup to Chambers Bay. And with two Masters victories, we know he can win the big one. The only thing keeping me from picking him as my winner is his past with the U.S.G.A. He never seems to enjoy the U.S. Open setup. I think Chambers Bay suits him more than anyone in the field though, so if he gets his mind right, he should be in contention on Sunday. Final pick: Top 5.

Phil Mickelson

Similar to Bubba, Phil has the imagination and the higher ball flight I’m looking for. He’s been in decent form lately. And unlike Bubba, I think he gets more excited for this tournament than anyone. I think he’ll play well. And it would be a great story if he won and completed his career grand slam. But I think he ends the week in a familiar U.S. Open position; just short. Final pick: Top 10.

Rory McIllroy

How can you not like Rory’s chances this week? The world No. 1 hits it longer and higher than anyone. And we all know he can win. But his form hasn’t quite been on point lately and I don’t think he finds it in time for a win next Sunday. Final pick: Top 10.

Jordan Spieth

The Masters champion displayed an ability to handle tricky greens at Augusta. He’s played well all year. And he’s the only player with a shot at this year’s Grand Slam. But I don’t see his ball flight working as well as some of the others on the list. Final pick: Top 20.

Tiger Woods

No, no, no, no, no. I’d love to see him in contention, but his 85 last Saturday at a course he once dominated leaves me with no hope. Final pick: Missed cut.

Sergio Garcia

I don’t know why, but I have a feeling Sergio will be around on Sunday. His ball-striking has always been great. And I picture him having good a imagination into and around the greens. The key will be, as always with him, can he make the putts? Final pick: Top 10.

Dustin Johnson

DJ took some time off and has come back better than ever. He seems to be in contention every week. He won a WGC title earlier this year. He can hit it a mile. Like Bubba, he almost won at Whistling a few years back. Remember that “bunker” penalty? And like Phil, I think he’s ready mentally for a U.S. Open. It’s DJ’s time for a major. Final pick: Winner.

Enjoy the U.S. Open, everyone. And sorry DJ for the jinx.

Jonah Karzmer is a former golf professional who writes a Sunday golf column for The Vindicator. In his spare time he sells commercial insurance and loves getting feedback on his weekly columns via email at Jonah@thekarzmerinsurance.com.