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 Your Take Woods favorite among users to win U.S. OpenPosted: Friday June 18, 1999 04:15 PM
CNNSI.com asked readers what to predict the outcome of this year's U.S. Open. Here is a sampling of some of the responses we received:
I think Tiger Woods will win the US Open if he controls his temper and focus his mind. There are a lot of 400 plus par's that he can reach in two for possible eagles and birdies, he has to stay focus and take advantage. Tiger also should not give shots back with bogies like he did Thursday because the course is tailored made for him. When Sunday afternoon comes and we see a bright wide smile coming from a 23 year old young man finishing the 18th hole you will know that Tiger is the US champion.
Tiger will not win the Open. He's streaky and too unstable, but he is the most exciting player in the game. He is among the top 3 in the game but he's won 2 in a row once in Europe and at the Memorial and his streak is about to hit a bump this week. I like Olazabal for the same reasons Diaz picked him to win. Good Luck to all, it will be exciting.
...and down the course they come. Sunday's last six players will be Tom Lehman, Phil Mickelson, Payne Stewart, Colin Montgomery, Ernie Els and the winner Tiger Woods. Outside the experience, skills and daring needed on what may border as overly difficult (unfairly lucky set-up) greens - will be the creative 2nd and 3rd shot and when not to be too creative. Look for Tiger to open a three to four stroke lead on Friday, hold safe on Saturday and energetically toy with leaders down the stretch.
With the rough not like it usually is for an Open, this is Tiger's best shot at winning it. He has to know that and realizes this is his best shot, especially after the hot streak he's been on this year. The guy's getting more and more consistent and this is his year for the Open. The key will be whether or not he brings his putter.
I think Tiger has what it takes to win the U.S. Open, if only he could be more patient and not react so hard to a bad shot. In golf, it is okay some times to settle for bogey as opposed to a quad-bogey. I however think that we shall be surprised this Sunday with a win by someone we least expected because golf is one of (if not) the most unpredictable games.
Tiger will prevail. Pinehurst No. 2 is significantly overrated - even with the USGA trying to destroy the course making the greens unreceptive the key to No. 2 is length and Tiger hitting 9 irons to 480 yd. par 4's is a significant advantage if he keeps his distance control and doesn't shoot a the unfair pin placements. Look for 12-16 under to win even if they suck the greens dry with their underground dryers - a Donald Ross invention no doubt
Phil Mickelson is due to win this, I don't care how hot Tiger is.
Tiger will undoubtedly have his best Open finish this year (Top 5) but I think a player who is not considered one of the favorites will prevail-- Payne Stewart. Stewart has had an exceptional year on Tour and has the game to win another Open. His scrambling and putting abilities will serve him well at Pinehurst and his lack of control with his driver will not be as big a factor as at other opens, due to the fairly tame rough. I think, even though he is one of the most seasoned players in the game, he may have learned a lot from last year's Open and will be able to close the deal if the opportunity arises.
Tiger, Tiger burning bright... too bad Davis Love III will turn out your light. Yes, I think it's finally Davis' time to win another major. Remember the chip shot on 16 the final day of the Masters? How many people can make that shot come off? It's going to take a bunch of miracle shots like that to pull off a victory at super tricky Pinehurst. Tiger, Jose Maria, and David Duval have these shots in their bag too, but I think Davis wants it more. I think I see another rainbow looming on the horizon.
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