Player Profile - US Open contenders

With the US Open only days away, golf fans around the world are preparing to witness one of the most competitive and exciting tournaments in recent memory. This week we focus on the US Open and why the 2011 tournament is set to be extra exciting. Since the first US Open was played in 1895, the tournament has attracted interest from around the world. In recent decades the tournament has become an international golfing highlight, forming part of the grand slam of golf and drawing crowds and viewers from practically every country where golf is played. With the total prize fund having increased from $350 in 1895 to $ 7.5 Million in 2010, the prestige of the US Open is immense. The tournament is played every year in mid-June so that, weather permitting, the final round is always played on Father’s Day.

This year’s US Open is taking place at a time when world golf is in an exciting period of change. Tiger Woods, whose dominance of the world golf scene appears to have ended in earnest will not be competing in this year’s tournament due to an injury. Had Woods been able to play however, his presence may not have deterred a number of excellent golfers from taking aim at the trophy.

Current world number one Luke Donald and his British compatriot Lee Westood, current world number two, are both chasing their first major victory and a win at the US Open would secure either man’s dominance at the top of the world rankings. Germany’s Martin Kaymer, who was world number one several months ago, will be a keen contender and is also set on winning the tournament.

Not to be outmatched on home soil, the Americans Phil Mickelson, Steve Stricker, and Matt Kuchar are all very strong contenders for the title. Rising stars such as South African US Masters champion Charl Swartzel and Britain’s Rory McIlroy will also be keen to snatch a victory at this year’s US Open. Golf fans can expect a highly charged championship that may see the world golf rankings re-arranged yet again.

Golfweather Editorial