Mickelson’s fellow American hopeful, Patrick Reed, will
be joining Rory McIlroy at the Irish Open. This could be
a signal of intent on Reed’s part that he wants to make
a statement at Chambers Bay this year. At just 24 years
old, Reed has no real form to speak of at the US Open
but after declaring himself a top 5 player in 2014 he will
want to keep distractions to a minimum, after having
his parents removed from the course during that year’s
tournament. With a win at the Hyundai Tournament
of Champions earlier this year, Reed has the taste for
success and could be a good outside bet for the 2015
US Open.
Over the last few year, Henrik Stenson has come close
to winning his first major title. Tied 3rd and 4th T3
at thePGA Championship and US Open respectively in
2014, plus a 2nd and 3rd at the Open and PGA 2013,
shows Stenson has what it takes to compete at the big
events. The Swede has also taken the time to scout the
Chambers Bay course, something which is a must if you
want to have any chance of succeeding, according to
the USGA executive director. Stenson only walked the
course but felt that, if the weather is good, a low score
could be possible.
Stenson has been in good form on the US Tour and
could feature strongly at the 2015 US Open. Another
possible contender from Europe is the 2013 winner
Justin Rose, who finished T2 at The Masters this year
then went on to win his next tournament, the Zurich
Classic. Elsewhere, Adam Scott and Dustin Johnson are
two players to look out for and three-time champion
Tiger Woods, who surprised many at The Masters, has
confirmed he will be competing.
Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth remain the favourites
for the 2015 US Open and will do so right up to the
start of the tournament. That being said, the Chambers
Bay course is being talked about as something of a
mystery for the players and this could throw up a few
shocks and a high winning score. The 2015 US Open,
seems to set-up for a good, experienced player to come
and tame the course with a bit of good thinking and
creativity. That man could be Phil Mickelson, who will
be out to complete his career grand slam.
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