U.S. Open Capsules
By Doug Ferguson
Associated Press
Web Posted: Friday, June 11, 2004
A capsule look at 20 top players in the U.S. Open, to be played June 17-20 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southhampton, N.Y. (listed in predicted order of finish):
Nick Price
Age: 47
Country: Zimbabwe
World ranking: 22
PGA Tour victories: 18
International victories: 24
Majors: British Open ('94), PGA Championship ('92, '94)
U.S. Open appearances: 17
Best finish: 4
Backspin: Remains one of the premier shotmakers in golf, and distance shouldn't be an issue at Shinnecock Hills, leading to a much more enjoyable experience on Long Island than his last time at Bethpage. Contended early in the weekend in 1995, and links-style golf suits his game. A long shot against younger men, yes, but still very capable of replacing Hale Irwin (45 in 1990) as the oldest U.S. Open champion.
Ernie Els
Age: 34
Country: South Africa
World ranking: 2
PGA Tour victories: 14
International victories: 35
Majors: U.S. Open ('94, '97), British Open ('02)
U.S. Open appearances: 11
Best finish: Won
Backspin: This is his best major, and this could shape up to be his biggest year. Has six top 10s in the U.S. Open, including victories at Oakmont and Congressional. Missed the cut in '95 at Shinnecock. Driver will be key, but the rest of his game has been solid all year. Impressive win at Memorial, but still stinging over one-shot loss in the Masters. Motivated more by winning majors than being No. 1 in the world.
Tiger Woods
Age: 28
Country: United States
World ranking: 1
PGA Tour victories: 40
International victories: 7
Majors: Masters ('97, '01, '02), U.S. Open ('00, '02), British Open ('00), PGA Championship ('99, '00)
U.S. Open appearances: 9
Best finish: Won
Backspin: Made U.S. Open debut at Shinnecock, withdrawing in the second round after injuring his wrist trying to slug it out of the rough. Could be headed for the thick grass again, especially if he doesn't sharpen his driving. Remains the top threat at every major but has lost some of his aura by not winning in the last seven majors. As long as he gets more than half his tee shots in play, will be a factor Sunday.
David Toms
Age: 39
Country: United States
World ranking: 15
PGA Tour victories: 10
International victories: None
Majors: PGA Championship ('01)
U.S. Open appearances: 7
Best finish: 5
Backspin: Coming off a big victory in Memphis, not only the margin of six strokes but the timing. Confidence starting to wane from post-wrist surgery struggles. Quietly has accumulated 10 victories on the PGA Tour, and Shinnecock should be his kind of U.S. Open -- an emphasis on nerves and control, not length. Excellent putter.
Vijay Singh
Age: 41
Country: Fiji
World ranking: 3
PGA Tour victories: 18
International victories: 22
Majors: Masters ('00), PGA Championship ('98)
U.S. Open appearances: 10
Best finish: T3
Backspin: Pinehurst in 1999 was the only time he seriously contended in a U.S. Open, a strange trend for such a good driver. Has been closing in on No. 1 in the world the last 12 months, and a victory might be enough to put that goal in his sights by the end of the year. His lot usually depends on his putting, but great ball-striking could offset that at the U.S. Open. Tied for 10th at Shinnecock in 1995.
Phil Mickelson
Age: 34
Country: United States
World ranking: 5
PGA Tour victories: 23
International victories: None
Majors: Masters ('04)
U.S. Open appearances: 13
Best finish: 2
Backspin: Only guy capable of getting Grand Slam this year after breaking through for his first major by winning Masters. Shinnecock in 1995 was his first good chance at winning a major, but the par-5 16th cost him. Better control of tee shots and an excellent short game make him a contender again. Turns 34 the day before the U.S. Open starts.
Chad Campbell
Age: 30
Country: United States
World ranking: 10
PGA Tour victories: 2
International victories: None
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 4
Best finish: T35
Backspin: Quickly emerging as the next great American, especially after dominant wins at the Tour Championship and Bay Hill. Strikes the ball pure, and can work it both directions off the tee. Putting has been suspect at times. Still smarting from a missed cut at the Masters. A dangerous player when he gets near the lead.
Sergio Garcia
Age: 24
Country: Spain
World ranking: 17
PGA Tour victories: 4
International victories: 6
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 4
Best finish: 4
Backspin: Playoff victory at the Byron Nelson was his first on the PGA Tour in two years, and validated changes to his swing. Still not impervious to pressure down the stretch, but his control off the tee and into the greens should make him a big favorite at Shinnecock Hills. Played in the final group with Tiger Woods at Bethpage two years ago, and didn't handle the moment very well. At age 24, he is maturing quickly.
Mike Weir
Age: 34
Country: Canada
World ranking: 6
PGA Tour victories: 7
International victories: 2
Majors: Masters ('03)
U.S. Open appearances: 5
Best finish: T3
Backspin: Has been quiet since winning at Riviera for second straight year. Compact swing should allow him to keep ball in play in Shinnecock, and short game is enough to put him into contention. Putting has haunted him at times this year, but he is anxious to show his Masters win was only the start.
Miguel Angel Jimenez
Age: 40
Country: Spain
World ranking: 32
PGA Tour victories: None
International victories: 10
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 4
Best finish: T2
Backspin: Hottest player on European tour with three victories, after closing last season by finishing in the top 25 in his final 11 tour events, including a win in Spain. Red, curly hair tied in a ponytail make him impossible to miss on golf course. Not the prettiest swing, but certainly efficient. Tied for second in the '00 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, albeit 15 shots behind Tiger Woods.
Retief Goosen
Age: 35
Country: South Africa
World ranking: 9
PGA Tour victories: 3
International victories: 16
Majors: U.S. Open ('01)
U.S. Open appearances: 6
Best finish: Won
Backspin: Solid in every aspect of game, especially with his iron play. Exceptionally long off the tee, and very tough to beat when hitting it straight. If he follows the path of fellow South African Ernie Els, he is due another U.S. Open victory. It helps that he's a good wind player.
K.J. Choi
Age: 34
Country: South Korea
World ranking: 18
PGA Tour victories: 2
International victories: 5
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 30
Best finish: T30
Backspin: Powerful player, though not overly long, he is beginning to emerge as a legitimate threat. Held up beautifully at first major in contention, holing from the 11th fairway at Augusta National for eagle and finishing third, four shots out of lead. Not spectacular in any area, but very well-rounded.
Kenny Perry
Age: 43
Country: United States
World ranking: 12
PGA Tour victories: 7
International victories: None
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 7
Best finish: T3
Backspin: Has tapered off some this year, but still very long off the tee, usually accurate and can get hot with his putter, as he showed last year in recording eight consecutive top-10 finishes. Split with caddie after Players Championship. Made a late push at U.S. Open last year, tying for third.
Davis Love III
Age: 40
Country: United States
World ranking: 4
PGA Tour victories: 18
International victories: 2
Majors: PGA Championship ('97)
U.S. Open appearances: 15
Best finish: T2
Backspin: Only player among top five in the world ranking who has not won this year, but he's already earned more than $2 million with a couple of runner-up finishes. Missed cut at Olympia Fields last year during summer of turmoil. Tied for fourth at Shinnecock in 1995. Excellent driver.
Adam Scott
Age: 23
Country: Australia
World ranking: 14
PGA Tour victories: 2
International victories: 4
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 2
Best finish: Missed cut
Backspin: Victory in Players Championship elevated him to best young player in golf, although still has long way to go to become regular contender. Missed two straight cuts, including Masters, after his victory at Sawgrass. Swing is eerily similar to Tiger Woods, some say better. Putting runs hot and cold.
Thomas Bjorn
Age: 33
Country: Denmark
World ranking: 33
PGA Tour victories: None
International victories: 9
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 7
Best finish: T22
Backspin: Maybe the Dane will mistake Shinnecock for a real links course. Has two runner-up finishes in British Open, including last year at Royal St. George's when he took three shots to get out of a pot bunker. Steady player who thrives in tough, windy conditions. Might be the guy to end Europe's 24-year drought in U.S. Open.
Scott Verplank
Age: 39
Country: United States
World ranking: 16
PGA Tour victories: 4
International victories: 1
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 12
Best finish: T10
Backspin: Somewhat of a dark horse, but underrated in the U.S. Open. One of the shortest hitters, but also among the most accurate. A former U.S. Amateur champion, he played two of his better U.S. Opens at Shinnecock, with a tie for 15th in 1986 and a tie for 21st in 1995. Ernie Els believes the course suits Verplank well because he hits a low ball and putts well on U.S. Open greens.
Padraig Harrington
Age: 32
Country: Ireland
World ranking: 8
PGA Tour victories: None
International victories: 9
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 6
Best finish: T5
Backspin: Remains highest-ranked European and is starting to routinely finish in top 10. Has replaced Vijay Singh as hardest-worker in golf, only because he's never satisfied. Recently split with caddie Dave McNeilly, with whom he enjoyed nearly all his success. Played well at Bethpage, the last time U.S. Open was on Long Island.
Jay Haas
Age: 50
Country: United States
World ranking: 21
PGA Tour victories: 9
International victories: 1
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 24
Best finish: T4
Backspin: If he wants to be the oldest guy to make Ryder Cup team, he needs strong performances in the majors. Had his best U.S. Open at Shinnecock (T4) in 1995, and his game remains solid. Would be oldest winner of a major, but no victories in 11 years -- including his debut on Champions Tour -- could be a tough obstacle.
Stuart Appleby
Age: 33
Country: Australia
World ranking: 11
PGA Tour victories: 5
International victories: 2
Majors: None
U.S. Open appearances: 7
Best finish: T10
Backspin: Victory at Mercedes and close call at Bay Hill moved him closer to being regarded as top Aussie. Has a good mind-set for U.S. Open, never getting beyond the shot he is about to hit. Solid driver and ball-striker, two good ingredients. But his U.S. Open record is spotty, with four weekends off in seven tries.
© 2004 Associated Press | 
