Ten to Watch at Torrey Pines
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008; 12:12 AM
1. Tiger Woods: He hasn't played since the Masters, hasn't walked 18 holes since knee surgery in early April, but if he's here, as Hillary Clinton might say, he's in it to win it.
2. Phil Mickelson: The San Diego native prevailed two weeks ago at Colonial for his second tour victory of the season, but he hasn't won a major since his meltdown on the 72nd hole at Winged Foot in the 2006 Open. This could be the week on a course he played his high school matches.
3. Sergio Garcia: The Spaniard is still looking for his first major title despite having 13 top 10 finishes in majors since the age of 19. He prevailed last month under difficult playing conditions at The Players and would like to believe this will be his breakthrough week.
4. Henrik Stenson: He tied for 17th at The Masters, tied for 10th at The Players and has too much talent not to be considered a potential major champion. He's played a practice round at Torrey earlier this year, and endeared himself to the locals when he insisted on paying a greens fee and played with a couple of high-handicap amateurs.
5. Jim Furyk: With a victory and two runner-up finishes in his last five Opens, Furyk almost certainly will be a factor this week. His shorter length may be a problem on the longest course in Open history, but he'll manage.
6. Vijay Singh: He's recovered from a rib injury well enough to tie for 11th last week in Memphis. The Fijian has seven top 10 finishes in Open championships, tying for sixth in 2005 and 2006. At 45, he still must be considered a major contender.
7. Trevor Immelman: He's the only man in the field with a chance for a grand slam this season. The Masters champion finished tied for second last week in Memphis and seems back on his game.
8. Geoff Ogilvy: The 2006 Open champion at Winged Foot has had back-to-back top 10 finishes in his last two events. He's no stranger to being in the hunt on Sunday and should be hanging around the lead this week, as well.
9. Anthony Kim: He's only 22, but after a breakthrough first win at a tough course at the Wachovia Championship, he's long enough to be a factor this week, with a potent short game as well. He tied for 20th a year ago in his first Open.
10. Steve Marino: Just a hunch, but the Washington area's only full-time PGA Tour player has more than enough game to compete under major championship conditions, though he missed the cut a year ago in his only Open appearance.
