WORLD NUMBER ONE Brooks Koepka is the clear favourite to win the US Open after storming to victory in three of the last five majors. The American is threatening to embark upon a prolonged period of dominance thanks to his ability to thrive under pressure at big tournaments. Yet the sport remains ferociously competitive and Koepka will not have it all his own way when the world’s finest golfers descend upon Pebble Beach on June 13. It is the richest major of the year after the PGA increased the prize pool to $12.5 million for 2019 and the prestige associated with winning it is huge, so it should bring out the best in several superstars. Here are five men that could beat Koepka to US Open glory:
TIGER WOODS
The sporting world is still buzzing after Woods’ spine-tingling surge to glory in the Masters at Augusta earlier this year. It was his first major tournament victory since 2008 and it moved him up to 15 for his career, just three behind all-time leader Jack Nicklaus. Now The Golden Bear is tipping him to secure another famous triumph at Pebble Beach this month. “I would consider him the favourite,” said Nicklaus, pointing out that Woods won by a record-breaking 15 shots when he seized the US Open at this course back in 2000. Since then he has gone on to become widely acknowledged as the greatest player in history and he can cement that status by vanquishing Koepka and co this year. He disappointed at the PGA Championship last month, but that was to be expected after coming off such an emotional victory at the Masters. “I think that was a wake-up call again for him,” said Nicklaus. “I think he’ll play well at Pebble.”
DUSTIN JOHNSON
Johnson should be especially determined to succeed at the US Open after seeing Koepka dethrone him atop the world rankings. The 34-year-old has been phenomenally consistent over the past few years, but he still has just one major to his name. He finished tied second behind Woods at the Masters this year and then second at the PGA Championship, so he should be in for another strong showing at Pebble Beach. He has a lot more experience than his good friend Koepka at this course and he has enjoyed plenty of success here. Johnson won the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in 2009 and 2010, he finished second in 2014 and 2018, third in 2017, fourth in 2015, fifth in 2012 and seventh in 2008. He was leading the way after three rounds the last time the US Open was held at Pebble Beach, but finished eighth. He is now more experienced, but he retains the power and finesse to thrive here. He looks formidable when it comes strokes gained from tee to green, proximity to the hole around the green and scrambling, so it could be time for Johnson to gain a second major at Koepka’s expense and return to the top of the world rankings.
XANDER SCHAUFFELE
This budding superstar seems to come alive when he competes in majors and he always seems to pop up on leader boards. He finished tied second alongside Johnson at the Masters earlier this year and he was on course for a top-10 finish at the PGA Championship until he carded a final round of 76. Schauffele should fare better at Pebble Beach, as the course is better suited to his strengths. He is still only 25 years old, but he has already finished tied second at The Open Championship and he was tied for sixth at last year’s US Open, suggesting he relishes playing on the biggest stages. He is cool and composed under pressure. His tee to green strength is proven and he has all the attributes to join the fabled ranks of major winners this month.
FRANCESCO MOLINARI
The Italian is an outsider in the US Open odds at betting sites like Marathonbet, but he should inspire fear among his rivals ahead of this tournament. He secured his first major when winning the Open Championship last year and he was the star of the show in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph. He finished 2018 with a Tied sixth finish at the PGA Championship and he seemed on course to win the Masters earlier this year until a final day meltdown. He found water twice and ended up Tied fifth as Woods swooped to victory, but Molinari was in masterful form for 54 holes. He disappointed at Bethpage Black, but he has the quality to bounce back in style at Pebble Beach this month. He missed the cut on his only previous appearance here, back at the 2010 US Open, but he is a different animal now.
PHIL MICKELSON
This is the only major that Lefty has never won and he has the tantalising opportunity to wrap up a career Grand Slam on his 49th birthday. This could be his greatest chance to win the US Open, as he has a great record at Pebble Beach. He has won five times here in the past, and finished three shots clear of Paul Casey to claim the $7.6 million Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier this year. His best finish at a US Open held at Pebble Beach was Tied fourth in 2010, but you can never write Mickelson off. He is definitely a long shot at 33/1, but he has the talent and the experience to compete for glory here.