The 114th U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in North Carolina is upon us.
One difference at this tournament than past years? Players won't get stuck in the rough - because there won't be any. Forcing golfers to make tough decisions is what Pinehurst intended when it restored No. 2 to its original design under Donald Ross.
Besides changes to the course, here are three players to watch this weekend:
Rory McIlroy
Fresh off a win at the BMW PGA Championship at the end of May, McIlroy continued to play well until a colossal breakdown at the Memorial Tournament during the second round dashed his hopes of a second-straight win.
McIlroy remains the favorite to win the tournament at 10/1 and has six top-10 finishes to his name this season. He continues to put together two great rounds and two putrid rounds week after week.
While he plans to play conservatively, and focus on his iron game and the middle of the greens, if McIlory can put together three superb rounds and an even-par round, he'll win the tournament - and his second U.S. Open.
Before we move on, it's time to settle something: ex-fiancé Caroline Wozniacki still appears churning a cauldron in her Twitter profile picture. Is there actually a curse set on McIlroy? We'll soon find out.
Phil Mickelson
How can you not?
If there's no iso-cam on Lefty, an opportunity will have been wasted, and a producer should be fired.
Phil Mickelson has finished second at the U.S. Open six times, including last year. He hasn't been able to put four rounds together and outright win.
He's favored to finish the tournament third at 14/1, though he remains without a win, a second-place finish, or a top-10 finish this season.
Mickelson has putting issues. He may be a master at the flop-shot, but he'll need to keep things on the straight and narrow to avoid disaster at rough-free Pinehurst No. 2 this weekend.
He's missed the cut three times this season, after missing only three total last season. If only for the story, let's hope Mickelson can turn his season around and win his first U.S. Open title, and complete his career slam.
Jordan Spieth
You can't ignore the kid; he's pretty good.
Jordan Spieth is itching to win his first major on the PGA Tour and he's only 20 years old. He almost became the youngest player to ever win the Masters, finishing second to Bubba Watson.
Spieth holds six top-10 finishes this season, and put on a show at The Players Championship in May, finishing tied for fourth.
One thing Spieth doesn't lack is confidence. While he came into the season wanting to contend in majors, he's no longer happy being in the mix on Sunday. He wants to win on his first go-round at Pinehurst No. 2.
"I believe that I can win this golf tournament. I feel comfortable on this golf course. I think it fits my game. And when I step on the first tee that's what I'm trying to do," he said.
If Spieth keeps his emotions in check and continues to play with confidence, he could steal this tournament.
