US Open 2011

The second major of the year gets underway on Thursday just outside Washington DC, where the US Open was last hosted in 1997 at Congressional GC, won by Ernie Els. The US Open this week though surely is the most open Major in many a year, made not just by the absence of Tiger Woods but perhaps the fact the winner could come from anywhere which Martin Kaymer spoke of the other day. I dont agree exactly that the winner could come from any of 30 - 40 though, but it would be surprising if the winner triumphs having shown no form coming into this week. As usual for the Majors, I am taking 8pts in my staking plan. I really hope that Lee Westwood does it this week. The course is ideal for him, but the greens could be his downfall. That said he has been ultra consistent in Majors the past few seasons and should have won in New York 2 years ago. I think he can prevail this week and he is chosen as first pick to finally capture that elusive Major.
There are 2 Americans that alot of punters will be including in their staking plans and I'm no different. Simply because they have been consistent lately and the win always follows form. Hunter Mahan thrives in the big events and has the game & patience to capture the title on Sunday. His putting has been excellent this season and if he can get into contention come Sunday will relish the challenge.
Matt Kuchar is coming back into the form that he showed towards the end of 2010, drives the ball great which is paramount this week, but its his bogey stats that impress me suggesting he can be patient to stick it out with pars and be there come back nine Fathers day.
Retief Goosen has been off the radar for quite awhile but a top 10 last week at the St Jude will have the two-time US Open Champion in confident mood for this week, has a great record on fast greens with the flatstcik and with the greens set for a reading of 14 on the stimpmeter, no one is better for putting stats than "The Goose".
My outside bet is Webb Simpson! Not always a good move to be backing debutants in a Major as severe a test as this one but Simpson has been producing some solid displays this year, drives the ball well. Can get a bit nervy when in contention but you never know, he may just surprise those who feel he lacks experience


TIP 1: 2 pts WIN Lee Westwood @ 12/1 bet here with bWin

TIP 2: 1 pt e/w Hunter Mahan @ 22/1 Paddypower

TIP 3: 1 pt e/w M.Kuchar @ 25/1 Paddypower

TIP 4 : .5 pts e/w Retief Goosen @ 60/1 Paddypower

TIP 5: .5 pts e/w Webb Simpson @ 100/1 Paddypower

Note: Paddypower paying 6 places as are Boylesports Victor Chandler Golf