U.S. Open Heading for the Hills

The champion is going to be the player who brings his best all-round game to an Erin Hills course that will test every component part of his game; thus, players who rank above average in all parts of the game are likely to prevail and who can cope with both pressure, the unexpected and the physicality of an atypical PGA tour course are most likely to be in contention going down the stretch.

Having got the monkey off his back by winning the 2017 Masters, Sergio García could go well, as could those who have been there before, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose and Martin Kaymer.

Of those without a ‘Major’ win to date - let alone a U.S. Open Championship - Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama has the game and the temperament, rising Spanish star Jon Rahm is in the form of his life and 2010 U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell is, at last, showing some signs of a renaissance.

But, having looked at the Erin Hills course and examined the statistical credentials of those who hope to reign supreme in the late afternoon of the final Sunday before mid-summer’s day, clutching at straws is the last resort.

Three things have made Milwaukee famous, first, it’s the home of the Miller Brewing empire, second, the HQ of the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle is in the city and, third, the 1969 hit song, ‘What made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me) ‘; but, without a Miller, Harley, Davidson, Lee or Lewis in the bounds of possibility, I’m playing it safe and going for a European winner, a toss-up between Justin Rose and Jon Rahm.