US Open, Olympic Club San Fransico 2012

Olympic Club, San Francisco hosts the 2012 US Open this week where Ireland’s, Rory McIlroy defends the title he won on the opposite side of the country at Congressional in 2011. Maybe up to 4/5 weeks ago, smart money was going down on “Rors” but 3 successive cuts have put doubt in a few punters mind. He rescheduled his plans to ensure he got competitive practice in by playing last week in Memphis and almost came away with a win. That showing suggests his game is alright, despite some errand tee shots and again some crucial missed putts. But those two ingredients are a must for what always proves to be the most difficult of the 4 Majors to win.


I do however, expect the Co. Down player to be challenging the weekend.

I’m putting up 5 players this week (normally do 3 each week with a 4th for a Major). The 5th is a good triple price e/w chance which I just couldn’t leave off my staking plan.
I keep putting him up, he keeps challenging but is yet to win a Major. He has good record in the US open in recent years and should have won when Tiger beat Rocco Mediate in a playoff. He has the temperament to stay patient which is paramount this week, tee to green is excellent and if he can make his fair share of putts this may very well be his week. I firmly believe he is playing his best golf the past 9 months so step forward Lee Westwood. At 12/1 with Paddypower he is my firm favourite to prevail.

The most consistent player on tour this year is Jason Dufner. He comes into this having just narrowly failed to win 3/3 when Zach Johnson edged him out last time. He almost won the PGA Championship last August too (Keegan Bradley got there in the end) so Major experience is fresh and he has a superb iron game that will stand him in good stead here on this course. Generous 28/1 also with Paddypower
My third selection is another ultra consistent player in Matt Kuchar. Probably has underachieved so far this season but his game does look like its about to ignite. Has the coolness to stay patient also and at 30/1 is slightly preferred over Jim Furyk (will love this course) and Hunter Mahan ( who is only average lately, but one I hate to ignore). I’ll be backing “Kooch” with Bet365
My 4th pick this week is of course Padraig Harrington. Played well again last week albeit not challenging for the title and he would have enjoyed those first two days with Rory & Gmac. He put in a great performance at Augusta and was right in contention on Sunday. Has done well in past Opens, loves the harder tracks and has the short game to carve out a score. He is saving it all up for this week I hope. Great value for me at 80/1 with Betpack
That 5th selection is another American who has been playing very well this season and could surprise a few at very big odds and that’s Bill Haas. Looks one to watch over the next few seasons and I am having a wee interest in him this week. He is quite capable of producing the goods despite big time experience. 100/1 with Betpack





TIP 1: 1 pt e/w L.Westwood @ 12/1 Paddypower


TIP 2: 1 pt e/w J.Dufner @ 28/1 Paddypower


TIP 3: 1 pt e/w M.Kuchar @ 30/1 Bet365


TIP 4: 1 pt e/w P.Harrington @ 80/1 Betpack



TIP 5: 1 pt e/w B.Haas @ 100/1 Betpack