Register at GOLF TOURNAMENT CONFIDENTIAL every Sunday night for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they break down the hottest topics in sports. This week, with the US Open at Shinnecock Hills, we’ll touch on a major topic each night.
The 126th US Open begins Thursday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Clubwhere are Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy betting favourites. While both have already won this season and have been in contention several times, they have also shown flaws. Who has the best week in Shinny?
Josh Berhow, managing editor (@Josh_Berhow): I’ll pick Scottie, although I’m sure both will still be in the mix after 36 holes. Scottie has just been so close this year – three second, two third – and played so well. First in SG: Off the tee, even 19th in putting; the latter will really be the key here.
Josh Sens, Senior Writer (@JoshSens): If the winds are as strong as the forecast suggests, McIlroy and Scheffler should have their hands full, as both favor the high ball. But even in volatile conditions, I have to go with Scheffler’s consistency. Even when he is outside, he objects. This is less true of Rory.
Jack Hirsh, Hardware Editor (@JR_HIRSHey): I like Scheffler. For no other reason than it belongs. He would have to go winless for over a year before I would start playing against him.
Nick Piastowski, Senior Editor (@nickpia): If I’m choosing between them, let’s go with McIlroy. I think his putting will hold up better on what sounds like some tricky greens; The bumpy poa could bother Scheffler, though he’ll be out early Thursday when things should be less severe. But after a few days on the field here, I’m liking Jon Rahm’s chances more and more.
Josh Schrock, news editor (@schrock_and_awe): I’ll go the other way and come back to Rory. Despite not winning a US Open since 2011 at Congress, Rory has become one of the best US Open players over the past decade. Prior to last year’s T19 at Oakmont, which came in the midst of his post-Masters woes, Rory has finished in the top 10 in each of his last six US Open appearances, including second at LACC and Pinehurst No. 2. He embraced the mental and demanding test that the USGA puts on every year. Rory has also said that his current goal is to put as many meaningful diapers on his wall as possible before he hangs it up. He wants to win another US Open in a cathedral US Open. Shinny certainly fits that definition. The wider roads should help alleviate the driver woes that have plagued it for most of the year. I expect Rory to be in the mix on Sunday. Scottie will likely stick around, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him fade away over the weekend – as he did at the PGA – in his first career Grand Slam.
