6 Players to Watch this Week at the US Open

Sports Writer Derek Clements looks ahead to this week's 2014 US Open and picks out his 6 players to watch.

Rory McIlroy

There is nothing more certain than the fact that McIlroy will be there or thereabouts but can he avoid the destructive round that will thwart his chances? he has developed a worrying habit of blowing up in the second round and that will be played on Friday the 13th. Fresh from his triumph at the BMW PGA Championship, McIlroy is full of confidence and driving the ball magnificently.

Phil Mickelson

If there is a tournament that can snap Mickelson out of the worst run of form he has endured in years, it is the US Open. He has finished runner-up six times and is the only man in the field who can complete a career grand slam with a win. There is a possibility that he may want it a little too much, but that doesn't mean he can't do it. And he loves Pinehurst.

Ryan Moore

Moore has done his time and is good enough to win a major. And Pinehurst is made for his game. He hits the ball straight and is one of the best scramblers in the business. If he can get off to a decent start, he has both the game and the temperament to make the breakthrough. A thoroughly likeable individual who has already won this season and is in the best form of his life.

Brandt Snedeker

Snedeker is having an awful season, but it only takes one decent tournament to turn things around. He has contended at The Masters and The Open, but the one he really wants to win is his national championship. You don't win at Pinehurst unless you putt well and have a great short game. Snedeker is one of the best putters in the business. This could be the week he rediscovers his touch.

Adam Scott

Reaching the top of the world rankings seems to have given Scott a new lease of life. Already a major winner, he has the game to win a US Open if he can control his putter. He still has a worrying habit of throwing away winning leads but the Australian is walking on air right now and it would be a major surprise if he is not one of the men in contention on Father's Day. He is due a second major.

Henrik Stenson

During the second half of 2013, the Swede was the best player on the planet, winning the FedEx Cup and the Race to Dubai. For a time, he looked like he would win every tournament in which he played. It was no surprise that he went off the boil at the start of the year. But he was right back in the thick of it in front of a home crowd in the Nordea Masters and struck the ball beautifully. He hits his three wood miles and, when he is on song, is one of the best putters in the game. He will love Pinehurst, and he wants to catch Scott at the top of the rankings.

Derek Clements is a sports journalist with a particular passion for golf with over 12 years of experience covering golf and other sports including Chief Sub-Editor on the sports desk of The Sunday Times. To contact Derek email direct via [email protected]

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